Board Book: Hug Machine

Title of Book: Hug Machine

Author & Illustrator: Scott Campbell

Publisher: Little Simon

ISBN: 978-1534400269

Board books are perfect when it comes to introducing books and reading to little ones that have not yet mastered the art of taking care of their things. Come to think of it, my kids never outgrew this era of protecting and caring for their belongings. Not. A. One. Of. Them. Ok fine, in their defense, at least they no longer randomly chew on everything they get their hands on.

When it comes to introducing books to little ones, board books are a true life saver. Their thick paperboard construction makes them super durable, a crucial defense against those kiddos that treat their books like chew toys.

After browsing aisle after aisle, I realized that not all board books are created equal. Board books range in content and can be found in forms that fit every level of learning and development. Some board books focus on rhyme and repetition to keep younger children attention. Other books use sensory stimulation to draw the little ones in with uses of things like colors and touch.

Hug Machine by Scott Campbell comes in board book form, but is in fact his popular picture book scaled down into board form. Regardless of which level reader is reading/ being read to, there is no denying that this book is so. Darn. Cute. I can see all ages enjoying this read. The story follows a little boy who goes around hugging EVERYTHING. There is nothing he will not hug. Soft, hard, big, small, spiky, living, inanimate, it doesn't matter. Everyone and everything gets a hug! The boy believes his hugs are wonderful and feel good for both him (the hugger), and the person/ object being hugged. I love the moral of this story. Even the smallest person can make the world a better place by sharing their gift/talent.

Did I like this book? No, I LOVED it. I give this book 4 out of 4 stars. Noah will go to bed tonight yelling out, “I’m just a huuuug machine.”