But, this year feels very different for me, and is filled with emotions as I am trying to come to terms with the fact that there is now a newly turned teenager in our house, when all I can't stop seeing in my mind is a little boy with a love of all things "Thomas the Tank Engine" and a sweet, gentle disposition which thankfully, has never left him. Needless to say, if I had the chance to meet up with the self-proclaimed "Hug Machine" from acclaimed artist Scott Campbell's playfully adorable children's literary debut, I would completely welcome the comfort from his hug!
As our tale begins, the "Hug Machine" sets right out to convince us all that he is simply THE BEST hugger in, well, the whole world, as his hugs can,
"..make the biggest feel small. The smallest feel big. I hug soft things. Hard things. Square things. Long things!" There is nothing, absolutely nothing that he won't hug! This includes a small, green, spiky porcupine, who laments that no one is brave enough to try. But, donning a catchers mask and protective gear, the "Hug Machine" comforts the lonely porcupine with loving arms.
However, our "Hug Machine" gets exhausted from a day soothing so many people, animals and things, and when his mommy wants a hug, your little ones may think that just when he's finally run out of hugging power, there's still enough left for the most special person in his life.
I was very impressed by this endearingly charming debut from Scott Campbell, and I look forward to hopefully reading more of his children's tales in the future!
Hug Machine
Written & Illustrated by Scott Campbell
Publisher: Atheneum Book for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division (2014)
Website: Kids.SimonandSchuster.com
ISBN: 9781442459359
For ages 4 to 8
Retails for $16.99 (Hardcover)
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