Title: Plenty of Hugs
Author: Fran Manushkin
Illustrator: Kate Alizadeh
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2020
Ages: 3-5
Themes: moms, children, hugs, parenting, lgbtqia+
Opening:
Look up, The sun shines on everyone There are plenty of fish in the sea
There's a buzz for each bug, a breeze for each tree, and plenty of hugs for you and me.
Synopsis:
Two mommies spend a sunny day with their toddler in this cozy, rhyming picture book that is a loving celebration of family.
Why I like this book:
This is a book of the wonder of family intimacy. Fran’s rhyme and rhythm are stellar and makes it a sweet read-aloud again and again for the preschool crowd, any time of the day.
The world is full of wonders. Just look around: It's true. There are seas for ships, and kisses for lips, so I can say that I love you.
The rhythm of a typical family day will be very recognizable to toddlers. This toddler spends a rad day with their (we don’t know the toddler’s gender) and their mommies: a bike ride to a farm stand; a visit to the zoo in the afternoon, and in the evening there’s the bath time and a bedtime story before being kissed goodnight. This is a wonderful family day full of exploration, playfulness and a ton of hugs, of course. Boy, reading this at the end of seven weeks of solo quarantine during COVID19 and all I wanted to do was jump into the family and enjoy some of those hugs!!
This is an adorable cozy picture book of a two-mom family with illustrations as joyful as the text. Another great addition to your lgbtqia+ shelves.
Activities/resources:
Get your kids sharing what a best family day would look like for them.
Each week a group of bloggers reviews picture books we feel would make great educational reads. To help teachers, caregivers and parents, we have included resources and/or activities with each of our reviews. A complete list of the thousands of books we have reviewed can be found sorted alphabetically and by topics, here on Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
In my 20's, with only my guitar and a rucksack, I wandered the continents, immersing myself in the lives of some wonderful people, projects and stories, which changed the way I view my responsibility to others and this earth. Right now I'm a European transplant in the US who writes books for children and young adults. Stories can help us not only navigate our world but can connect us to others, and allow us to inspire and help each other. I believe that equity and empathy should be at the core of our all actions, words, and stories.
I am also a school librarian and I get a kick out of book-matchmaking! And I use the pronouns she/her.
Aw, what a sweet book! And it makes me want to go outside and enjoy the fresh air! I’m thinking you’re itching to get another foster kitty. Yes?
I so hope they need me to foster again soon.
This looks adorable and the stanzas you shared are perfect for reading aloud! Great choice!
It flows beautifully!
I am feeling the low hug quotient too. Great choice!
We all need those hugs!
This is so sweet and also a great share before Mother’s Day! Love poetic nature of this book, coupled with soft and beautiful illustrations that sing “heart.”
Such a sweet book and adorable cover. Perfect right now as we are all needing a few extra hugs.