Hug Me

Description

Ever feel like you need a hug, a really big hug from someone? That's how Felipe the young cactus feels, but his family just isn't the touchy-feely kind. Cacti can be quite prickly sometimes you know... and so can Felipe. But he'll be darned if this one pointy issue will hold him back, so one day Felipe sets off on his own to find a friend and, just maybe, that long awaited hug.

Simona Ciraolo is a Sardinian born author and illustrator whose witty and endearing tales recently won her the Sebastian Walker Award. Ciraolo studied animation at the National Film School in Turin, Italy, before moving to the UK where she undertook an MA in Children's Book Illustration at the Cambridge School of Art. She has also worked as a freelance 2D animator for children's TV shows and illustrated five picture books for an independent Italian publisher. Simona lives in London.

Ciraolo is playful in a very Italian way. * The New York Times * This is a really special red, beautifully illustrated, and laid out in a way to pluck perfectly at heartstrings. A book to make you want to cuddle up and share a big hug with a small person that you love. * Waterstones * Ciraolo's softly drawn cartoon cacti radiate charm- Felipe has a tiny pink flower on his head and a range of emotive expressions. * Publishers Weekly * This is one of the loveliest and heart-warming stories around, with gorgeous illustrations to boot. A wonderful picture book that deserves a spot on your bookshelves. * Book Trust * A sweet celebration of connection and inner softness in a culture that encourages hard individualism and prickly exteriors. * Brain Pickings * Hug Me's heartwarming plot, stunning visuals and genuinely funny cacti- based humour will leave you crossing your fingers, hoping that it becomes your child's favourite book so that you have an excuse to read it over and over again. * Creative Safari * Hug Me is a lovely publication with a message about finding like-minded people and being yourself even when you don't fit in. A fun book to read aloud and explore illustrations with children. * Kids Book Review * Young readers may identify with Felipe's journey of finding friends in a challegning environment. His struggle is relatable and empathetic, and his delightfully illustrated character is welcoming and warm, despite his prickly exterior. * Portland Book Review * This is a beautiful story about how it feels to be different and how making new friends isn't always easy. * Ivy's Library * Such a heartwarming story about finding a place to belong. * @miloureadsbooks on Instagram * The lush, simple artwork cleverly hides what is a very mature story to tell. * The Great British Bookworm * Hats off to author and illustrator Simona Ciraolo, who has given the world its best drawing yet of a balloon with a face. * GQ Magazine *