I like kids' books because I don't have to pretend to be an adult when I read them. I first read Big Bear Hug during one of the happiest moments of my life - traveling and sightseeing Edmonton and Jasper with my ex-girlfriend, her Australian-doctor cousin, and his doctor-colleague-friend who flew up from down-under to visit Jasper.At that time, it was a sweet sappy story, and we bought it on a whim. The strong environmental message and the cute repetition drew me in, but what touched me was how happy the book reads.It's been more than a year since I last saw this book. It was hidden under piles of paperwork; I didn't even know I still had it. Suffice it to say, the breakup didn't go very well: extreme awkwardness punctuated by anger, pettyness, sadness, and despair.I read this book as I pack up the entirety of my apartment and shed myself of everything that remind me of the past relationship in preparation for a four-day journey from Toronto to Vancouver via rail. I've thrown away everything - clothing, gifts, cards, photos, cute messages and various detritus of a well-lived but now extinguished five years. And I find that there isn't much left in my heart. This book reignites the love and happiness of that moment and brings everything back into focus. If there is one thing I keep from these years, it is the message in this book. To cherish the love in myself, and to never let that light go dark. It's not in my nature, and as hard as I try, I can't stay mad.Sometimes kids' books are too optimistic, too light, too fluffy. This book reaches for the far extremities of happiness and love. It's so cute, so optimistic, so light, so fluffy.And it shot the moon.I love this book. Read it to yourself, read it to your kids. I know I will read it to my kids one day. I really liked Big Bear Hug. This little big has a big message, but the message doesn't slam you in the face, which I like. The bear is a hugger. He hugs animals, but the thing he like to hug the most is trees. He never met a tree he didn't like! Then one day, he sees a man walking through the forest with an ax, and he ses the man looking at the trees. At first, he thinks the man must love trees too, then he comes to realize that the man is about to throw the ax into the tree! The bear is horrified and for the first time he doesn't feel like hugging. Instead of eating the man though, which is entirely against his nature, he decides to hug the man. Cute book, great for Earth Day or Arbor Day.
What do You think about Big Bear Hug (2009)?
Cute story about a bear who loves to hug everyone and everything.
—ForeverReaderKailyne
Let's Read pick for Family Literacy Committee of Brant for 2014!
—Belle
