Publishers Weekly
Won't You Be My Hugaroo? by Joanne Ryder, illus. by Melissa Sweet, follows on the heels of Won't You Be My Kissaroo? (about which PW commented on the "tender rhyming couplets and winsome watercolors"), similarly capturing nearly every category of hug. Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
Children's Literature
- Joella Peterson
A young zebra and friends learn about the different ways to hug while going to and from an amusement park—thus becoming a "hugaroo." The rhyming text and simple language makes this story perfect for laptime or bedtime readings. For example, "A cozy hug when tales are read is nice to share upon a bed." The watercolor, pencil, and collage illustrations show a plethora of animals giving and receiving various hugs. The rounded shapes not only soften the images of each animal, but they also give a cozy, secure feeling to the book. Young readers will also relate to the characters. For example, "when something scary frightens you," shows an illustration of a young bunny climbing to the top of a slide. When the "roller-coaster-riding hug...keep[s] you safe and very snug," the young bunny is standing off to the side next to a sign that says "you must be this tall to ride." This is a perfect book to share with youngsters who love to be "hugaroos."
Kirkus Reviews
While the venue has changed from smooches to hugs, Ryder and Sweet remain faithful to the popular format of their earlier title, Won't You Be My Kissaroo? (2004) Playful rhymes describe the myriad hugs to be savored as a young zebra spends the day at an amusement park with friends. From ebullient tickle hugs to consoling cheer-up hugs, Ryder celebrates the widespread uses of an action that is second nature to care-givers yet so vitally important to a child. The sprightly rhymes move readers along at a brisk pace but not before they tug at the heartstrings with their touching sentiments. Sweet's watercolor, pencil and collage illustrations are indeed sweet. Vivid colors capture the vibrancy of a summer's outing on a glorious day, while her deft pencil sketches convey the less tangible yet equally joyous feeling of spending a day with loved ones. A celebration of all things lovable, Ryder's tale is bound to strike a chord with fans and newcomers across the generations. (Picture book. 2-5)
