The Hug (Hedgehog & Friends)

This is a fabulous double-sided book with two stories that share the same ending. Great book to gift, great book for children.

I didn't realize this book was really two books in one when I ordered it. One side of the book tells the turtle's story, and the other side of the book tells the hedgehog's story, then they meet in the middle of the book to give each other a hug! My four-year-old son has sensory issues and difficulty expressing his emotions. This book inspires such a joyous response from him every time we read it! I use this story to talk about the emotions of the characters; what do we think this character is feeling. He loves to hug people, so he gets super excited to see the turtle and hedgehog get to find a friend in each other and hug. He always grabs my neck and grits his teeth together to smash his face into mine when we get to the center of the book.

I bought this book for my 5yo Grandson as a "I love you" Valentine's gift! He enjoyed the story and pictures. He was surprised and fascinated with the synonymous dual stories. I have observed him picking up and looking through the book on various occasions when he is visiting me ...and his Papa. Definitely a keeper! ...the book, and my Grandson!!

I am a teacher who initially purchased this book because I collect everything hedgehog. I read it to classes from 1st-5th grades and each group insisted I read Tortoise’s story as well. We were left with feelings of hope, peace, joy, and love. What a delight this book is!

Giving children the idea how to be passionate toward others who suffer.

This picture book is written as a split picture book that flips over with each character telling their side of the story, literally. Two creatures are looking for a hug. Hedgehog wants a hug, but no one will hug them. They can’t figure out why until an owl offers the information that they are too spiky to be hugged by most animals. Tortoise wants a hug too. He asks various animals as well, but they all refuse. The same owl explains to Tortoise that he is too hard for most animals to want to hug him. Then though, Hedgehog and Tortoise meet in the center of the book!Such a simple little book, this offers a great amount of pleasure when the two animals find one another. Even though readers will know that Hedgehog hugs Tortoise, the book is worth flipping over to read it from Tortoise’s point of view too. McLaughlin’s text is fresh and simple, much like Dunbar’s illustrations. One little element that adds to the fun is watching both Tortoise and Hedgehog get more and more grimy from the animals they meet, picking up bits of dirt and fuzz along their journeys. The hug though, the hug at the middle is pure bliss.Perfect for when you need a hug, even if you are a bit prickly or too hard. Appropriate for ages 2-4.

This book is excellent but I suggest that you might like to get the original book first. It makes the message so much more meaningful. I love these books and reading then to my grandchildren.

This is a beautiful little book with a nice message. It's a Christmas gift for my almost 2 year old grandson. I know he'll love it!