SNUGGLE, SNIGGLE, AND SOMETIMES SNICKLE
by Stephen John Spivey illustrated by Adam Hembrough
This picture book narrated by a young boy celebrates the joys of cuddling, in several variations.
On this book’s rather puzzling opening page, the tousle-haired young narrator says he sometimes wakes up early in his own bed to find his parents on either side of him. (All are white.) Isn’t a child’s bed awfully crowded with two adults added? That aside, everyone seems to enjoy this “snuggle sandwich.” The narrator goes on to explain that snuggles are good when you’re happy or sad; pets like them, though some more than others (the expression on the cat’s face is priceless); and there are different kinds of snuggles. A snuggle plus a giggle is a sniggle, and snuggling plus tickling is snickling. The boy likes to imagine being a wildlife biologist and snuggling his favorite animals, like a gorilla, hyena, and zebra. Finally, the best way to end a busy day of snuggling is with “something that is warm, cozy, and feels like love”—another snuggle. Sweet and affectionate, Spivey’s debut book is something of a cuddle itself, lightened by funny moments. For example, a gorilla’s slightly too-tight snuggle makes the narrator reflect: “Now I know how my cat feels!” Hembrough’s colorful, dynamic debut illustrations support the text well, underlining the comedy in some scenes—for example, when a zebra’s kick sends the narrator flying (maybe snickling wasn’t a good idea).
A close but not cloying embrace of a book thanks to humorous touches.