Hug Time

Jules is a kitten with a mission to give hugs to those in need. He starts his journey with a list and an open heart, ready to embrace the world. The story follows Jules as he travels far and wide, encountering various creatures and discovering new possibilities for sharing kindness. His small acts of affection begin to create ripples of change. This picture book demonstrates how simple gestures can connect beings across boundaries and make a difference in the world. Its message about love and compassion resonates with readers of all ages.

Readers describe this children's book as sweet and uplifting, with a simple message about spreading love. Parents note it works well as a bedtime story for ages 2-6. What readers liked: - Brief, memorable text that children can follow - Watercolor illustrations, especially of animals - Message about kindness resonates with young kids - Length suits short attention spans What readers disliked: - Some found the story too basic - A few mentioned the environmental message feels forced - Price high for its length Ratings: Goodreads: 4.16/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (240+ ratings) Common reader comments: "Perfect for teaching empathy to toddlers" - Amazon reviewer "The art style captures each animal's personality" - Goodreads user "My 3-year-old asks for this every night" - Barnes & Noble review "Too simplistic for older kids" - Goodreads reviewer

Love, Z by Jesse Sima A robot's journey to understand love parallels Jules's quest to spread hugs, featuring similar themes of connection and discovery.

Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller A child's exploration of what kindness means unfolds through actions and interactions with others in the community.

The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates An umbrella grows to shelter everyone who needs protection, sharing the message of inclusion and care for others.

Come With Me by Holly M. McGhee, Pascal Lemaitre A child learns to make the world better through small acts of bravery and compassion in their neighborhood.

Pass It On by Sophy Henn A chain reaction of joy spreads through a community as characters share happiness with one another.

🌟 Author Patrick McDonnell is also the creator of the beloved comic strip MUTTS, which appears in over 700 newspapers worldwide 🌎 The book's main character, Jules the kitten, was inspired by McDonnell's real-life cat of the same name 🤗 The concept of hugging as therapy has scientific backing - hugs release oxytocin, often called the "cuddle hormone," which reduces stress and promotes bonding 🎨 McDonnell's signature minimalist illustration style was influenced by his admiration of classic comic strips like Peanuts and Krazy Kat 🌿 The book's environmental message aligns with McDonnell's long-standing advocacy for animal welfare and conservation - he serves on the board of directors for The Humane Society of the United States