Authors Write of Love, Friendship and Family in New Books The Runaway Hug By Nick Bland Illustrated by Freya Blackwood Best for: Ages 3-7
The adventure begins when Mommy gives Lucy her last hug. But we soon learn that one hug can go a long way. First, Lucy shares the hug with her dad. Then she forces it on her twin brothers. Her little sister always wants to share hugs. And the family dog is game for a hug. Lucy notices how the hug evolves and changes each time it is shared, but it is always just as nice as the first one with Mommy.
Bland incorporates a lot of warmth and comfort as he builds the scene of a busy family just before bedtime. Blackwood’s illustrations are friendly and welcoming. They entice you into this family’s home with all of its imperfections, but only spotlight the love they share.
Children will enjoy this tale and relate to the characters as they themselves snuggle into bed. The Runaway Hug will make a wonderful addition to any child’s bedtime ritual.
What’s good: A sense of comfort and love comes through loud and clear. What’s bad: Nothing. A Big Hug for Little Cub By Lori Ann Grover Illustrated by Rosalinda KightleyBest for: Ages Infant-3
A Big Hug for a Little Cub is aptly named. It feels a little like you are getting a big hug as you read the sweet tale of a young lion cub spending the day with his mother in the African savannah. From practicing his pounce to tug-o-war with a friend, to bath and bedtime, the rhymes are simple and inviting for beginning readers, and the illustrations will make any baby feel safe.
Board books are great for infants and toddlers. Infants slobber and teethe on them without causing too much damage, and toddlers begin to recognize their first words as they practice their reading habits. So it’s good to find a book that makes them feel loved. “Big Hug” will be a good a bedtime book for young families, especially if you have a cat-loving toddler around the house.
What’s good: Inviting illustrations and friendly rhymes. What’s bad: The pages aren’t waterproof, so slobber can be a problem. City of Light, City of Dark By AviIllustrated by Brian Floca Best for: Ages 8-12
In 1993, City of Light, City of Dark was Publishers Weekly’s book of the year. Twenty years later, it is being rereleased with new cover art and may gain a whole new audience, thanks to how graphic novels have gone mainstream.
In this graphic novel, Avi takes us to another New York City, where light and dark are controlled by a group of beings called the KURBS. They play a game with humans, but unbeknownst to us, our fate usually depends on just one person. But in this complicated tale, two kids fight to save the city. The two kids have to solve mysteries, uncover lies, defeat bad guys and fly a homemade plane as they try to find the one subway token that can ensure the city sees another day of light and warmth.
What’s good: The graphic nature will appeal to kids and comic book fans. What’s bad: The relationship, or lack thereof, of New York City to our own world is confusing.