TOO MANY HUGS

When he feels overhugged, Theo takes action.

Theo loves Dad’s morning hug: “His dad’s hugs were warm, and he smelled like buttered toast.” But a host of unwanted hugs follows: the brown-skinned neighbor Jose’s sticky hug; a hug from Jose’s dog, Spot, which knocks Theo over; a painful hug from Theo’s cat; and too-tight hugs from a light-skinned neighbor and Grandma. When Theo finally seeks refuge in his room, he almost overhugs his teddy bear but stops, realizing that maybe his toy doesn’t want a hug either. Inspired, he drafts rules (shown in a childlike scrawl with poor spelling) that he hangs on the refrigerator door—immediately garnering better results in his hug-life. The important message about bodily autonomy is clearly stated and further articulated for parents in the backmatter. However, the cartoonish, chaotic artwork is off-putting, and the pace feels a bit frantic. Still, given that all children should learn to ask before giving a hug and to expect the same from others, it’s one that many little ones will benefit from reading. Theo and his family have light tan skin. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A story with a crucial message hampered somewhat by garish art.