The Runaway Hug
Written by Nick Bland
Illustrated by Freya Blackwood
Scholastic Canada $14.99
Recommended for ages 2 – 5.
 
“Less is more” is my mantra for many things in life.  In particular, it applies to quality stories for very young readers. The less text there is often means the more I will enjoy the story.  And in this case, I thoroughly enjoyed and related to the fun concept that the author captured in this new picture book.
 
As little Lucy heads off to bed, she requests a hug from Mommy.  Despite the fact that she is busy (folding the laundry in her underwear!) and based on my experiences, she has probably already given out 27 hugs in the past half hour, she tells Lucy that she has only more hug to give. If she can just borrow it for a short time, Lucy promises to give it back.  She shares the hug with everyone in her family including Daddy, her unreceptive twin brothers and her baby sister, Lily.  They all give the hug back to Lucy so then it is time to share it with Annie, her naughty dog.  
Getting the hug back from Annie turns out to be a bit of a chore but lucky for Lucy, there is a special surprise waiting for her in bed when she finally gets there!
 
Blackwood’s soft illustrations are humorous and realistic.  I felt like the home was ours (toys and laundry strewn about) and the bedtime routine is one that is so familiar to many of us (please, just one more hug!).
 
Nick Bland is an Australian author and illustrator who has created more than ten picture books including, The Wrong Book, The Very Itchy Bear and The Cranky Bear.