Won’t You Be My Hugaroo?

“Won’t you be my hugaroo?  I’ve lots of hugs to share with you.”

I fell in love with Won’t You Be My Hugaroo? written by Joanne Ryder and illustrated by Melissa Sweet when I first read it a few years ago.  The story (for the most part) has a great rhyming scheme, making it a wonderful read aloud and the watercolors are quite sweet with zebras, elephants, bunnies, and pigs getting together for a day of fun.

This story shares all the ways to share hugs with family and friends from catch-you hugs and tickle hugs to cheer-up hugs while spending a fun day at the amusement park.  Finally, the characters share the best hug of all – a cozy hug while sharing a story before bed.

This would also make a great one-on-one story to read with young children, not only as a great bed time story for snuggling, but for also teaching young ones about the importance of being kind, helping others, and also about being taken care of and feeling safe.

Definitely check this one out for a great story – perfect for Valentine’s Day or any day when kids need an extra squeeze.  Also, check out the author and illustrator’s collaboration, Won’t You Be My Kissaroo? perfect for sharing lots of big smooches with little ones.

Title: Won’t You Be My Hugaroo?
Author: Joanne Ryder
Illustrator: Melissa Sweet
Publisher: Harcourt Books
Publication Date: 2006