IRISH BOOK AWARDS' CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR 2021 Nothing warms us up quite like a hug, but what can we do when we can't be together? This is the story of a new hug's adventure and the boy who shared it with the world. Adam King stole the hearts of the nation when he introduced us to his Virtual Hug, a heart-shaped sign he carried during the COVID-19 pandemic to help him stay connected to his teacher while he was learning from home. He also took it to his regular hospital appointments to show his doctors, nurses, and care staff that he was still giving them a hug, just in a different way. This picture book, inspired by true events, tells the story of one little boy with a big idea that came straight from the heart. The virtual hug makes its way onto mugs, postage stamps and even all the way to outer space, spreading warmth and connection to people all over the world. _____________ 'A gorgeous, moving book' Irish Times 'A genuine ray of light' 2FM Breakfast

A parent tells a child all of the reasons for the well-deserved hugs they share.

A beautiful, heartwarming picture book with all the universal appeal of Guess How Much I Love You.Hedgehog was feeling sad.As sad as a hedgehog can feel.So sad only one thing could help . . .Tortoise was feeling sad. As sad as a tortoise can feel. So sad only one thing could help . . .In this clever flipbook, both a hedgehog and a tortoise are looking for a hug. They ask all the other animals they come across but for some reason no one will hug them. Until a wise owl explains: Hedgehog is too spiky; Tortoise is too bony. And that's when they find each other!'Feels like being enveloped in your very own hug.' Kirkus'A smashing story time tale.' Books for Keeps'It's utterly lovely. It makes her face light up every time she hears it.' The Guardian Best Books of 2019

A Hug Is for Holding Me is a sweet, cozy book about love and affection and invites children to engage with the natural world in a fresh, new way. Some hugs are tight and some hugs are snug . . . but guess who gives the BEST hugs?

The bestselling and heart-warming picture book that shows us ways to be affectionate while social distancing, from the team behind The Hug.Hedgehog and Tortoise were the best of friends. They wanted to give each other a great, big hug. But they weren't allowed to touch. "Don't worry," said Owl. "There are lots of ways to show someone you love them." So the two friends wave to each other, blow kisses, sing songs, dance around and write letters. And even though they can't hug and they can't touch, they both know that they are loved. A gorgeous, uplifting, inspiring picture book that makes social distancing fun!

A reassuring board book conveying unconditional love and the joy of reading together. Prompts on each spread encourage parent-child verbal interaction, aiming to bridge the word gap for babies. Celebrate the joy of reading together! Lively rhymes and book-loving animal families will capture little ones' attention in this colorful board book. No matter what the season or time of day, it's comforting to know that you can always count on your parent's love and the time you share together with books. Questions on every spread prompt new parents to interact with their child while reading, cementing the parent-child bond while instilling a love of books. This board book will help bridge the word gap. Also available in a bilingual English-Spanish language edition entitled ¡Te amo, te abrazo, leo contigo!

I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug!, written by bestselling author Caroline B. Cooney and illustrated by Tim Warnes, is a playful and comforting bedtime book that helps your child imagine all the wonderful and silly ways someone might give and receive a hug. And the lively text and illustrations show the special connection between a parent and a child. I'm Going to Give You a Bear Hug!: Has sweet, whimsical rhymes that encourage playful interaction between a caretaker and child Helps kids 4-8 wind down and drift off to sleep Features all the ways kids love to snuggle with the ones they love with humor and whimsy Celebrates the special bond parents, grandparents, and loved ones have with the children in their lives Is perfect for bedtime and lap reading, as well as a gift for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Christmas Whether it’s a big bear, gasp for air, knock over a chair hug or a wet and drippy, slimy, slippy fish hug, children will giggle their way through all the imaginative examples of hugs we can give and receive. If you enjoy I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug!, be sure to check out I’m Going to Give You a Polar Bear Hug! for more hugging fun!

Everyone needs a hug in this new, irresistibly funny picture book from Aaron Blabey, the bestselling creator of Pig the Pug! In I Need a Hug, a tiny porcupine just wants a cuddle. All of the other animals turn him away because of his prickly spikes. But finally the porcupine meets an animal who's happy to hug -- a snake!Rich with author-illustrator Aaron Blabey's signature rhyming text and unforgettably splendid illustrations, I Need a Hug is a sweet story about friendship and learning not to judge a book by its cover. Perfect for Valentine's Day or any day that requires a hug!

Who have YOU hugged today? Open your arms to this delightfully tender, goofy, and sweet book from Scott Campbell. Watch out world, here he comes! The Hug Machine! Whether you are big, or small, or square, or long, or spikey, or soft, no one can resist his unbelievable hugs! HUG ACCOMPLISHED! This endearing story encourages a warm, caring, and buoyantly affectionate approach to life. Everyone deserves a hug—and this book!