The review
Do you know that the National Library has a Baby Membership Programme? When Foolet was around 1 years old, we went to register him for library membership and got a gift pack of books, and in it, we discovered this book! The library is one of his favourite places to go, and I hope that he'll always have lots of wonderful memories of libraries and a love of books!
This book still gives me the warm fuzzies every time we read it. It's time to bust out the comforting books because we all need just that - a big hug to tell us we'll be ok.
It follows the warm-hearted Hug Machine, a boy who gets energised by giving hugs to everyone, animate or inanimate, big or small, squishy or prickly. The charming brush strokes of Scott Campbell complement the humorous tone of the story well!
We are also reminded that he is a boy after all, he refuels with pizza (I can get onboard with that!), and replenishes his energy with his mum when his hug meter is depleted.
It's sweet but not sappy, and the Hug Machine's affectionate behavior will bring a smile to any reader, big or little.