The Hug Machine is an adorable book about a little boy who loves to give hugs. He is so good at hugging that he calls himself ‘The Hug Machine’. Nothing is too big or too small – or even too prickly – to receive a hug. And how does the Hug Machine get all that energy to keep hugging? Pizza, of course!With only a small amount of text and many fun illustrations, this cute picture book is aimed at pre-school through second grade children.I realize the little boy is hugging everyone and everything in town and indiscriminate hugging is not a good thing to teach a young child. However, I liked this book enough to assume that he knew all the people he was hugging and his parents were OK with it, so it was all good – and besides, this a book to be read with the very young, and an ensuing discussion about who to hug would be most appropriate. "My hugs calm people down.They cheer them up.They make them go completely nuts!I am the Hug Machine!"An adorable, unnamed little boy, with extended arms that were created to be wrapped around everything he meets up with, will steal your heart and wish that you too could receive his hug gifts. He so freely dispenses to everyone and everything in his world. His eyes close in ecstasy as he cuddles, squeezes and wraps himself around people, objects and family. No one or thing is off limits to this embracing little guy. His irresistible charm draws people to him and in so doing their hearts open up to receive from the mighty Hug Machine. He hugs trees, rocks, mailboxes.... hey.....if you are in his path, then you are fair game for a cuddle clasp.This is author/illustrator Scott Campbell's debut book. The illustrations created in muted-toned watercolours are calming and soothing - painting a perfect ambiance for a tight, snuggly hug. The expressions and actions of the little boy are so ably depicted in the many details that the text does not convey in print. The Hug Machine brings peace, love and serenity to his world and if we would follow his example what a wonderful world it would be.
What do You think about Hug Machine (2014)?
Would be a cute read to go along with love or family theme storytimes.
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