
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.
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.