I Need a Hug

I Need a Hug by Aaron Blabey (Scholastic Press)

HB RRP $16.99

ISBN 978-1-76362-909-3

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Little porcupine does not understand why no-one will cuddle her. Surely there is someone out there who will. I Need a Hug is another playful and fun story from author Aaron Blabey which taps into young children’s desires for hugs and kisses.

This picture book has no clutter, just wonderfully expressive animals and full colour glossy pages. All the text is in speech bubbles with great rhyme which removes any awkwardness that can sometimes come with reading speech bubbles aloud. It’s smooth and rhythmic.

Little Porcupine is adorable and the other animals who populate this book are portrayed with humour and liveliness. The pages pop with clear bright colour and the layout is very appealing.

The ending has a fabulous ‘Blabey’ twist, humorous and portrayed by both words and pictures working hand in hand, which gives a very satisfying finish.

This is a perfect story to read to pre-schoolers, cuddled up together on the couch or at bedtime. An entertaining book, it will be loved by a wide readership, young and old.

Aaron Blabey is an award winning Australian author whose picture book Pig the Pug was recently shortlisted for many awards including the CBC Awards and the Australian Book Design Awards. As well as many picture books, he has also written the hilarious series, The Bad Guys, junior chapter books for middle grade readers.