The Giant Hug (Book)

Horning, S. (2005). The giant hug. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN: 0-375-82477-4

Interest Level: Ages 8 to 3
Genre: Picture Book
Subjects/Themes: Hugs, Grandparents, Postal Service

Plot: Owen, a young pig, wants to send his grandmother a giant hug for her birthday.  Owen's mother writes down Granny's address on a card and Owen give the man at the post office a giant hug and asks him to pass it on until it gets to his Granny.  We follow the card and the hug as it is passed from person to person and goes on its journey from the post office, to the sorting area, to a shipping truck, to a plane, to another post office and with the mailman who delivers the hug to Granny. 

Personal Thoughts: A cute idea that takes the saying "give them a hug for me" and turns it into a literal action that children will appreciate.  The ending adds an extra layer of humor as Granny sends Owen a kiss back.  The moods of each of the post office workers is everything from shy, surprised, embarrassed, and happy.  The illustrations are brightly done in a mix of watercolor and dark pen sketches.  A good way to introduce to children how the postal service works in a time where less and less communication is being done in that manner.

Recognition:
Junior Library Guild selection
IRA Children’s Choice (2006)
North Carolina Book Award nominee (2006)
California Young Reader Medal nominee (2007)
Bill Martin Picture Book Award nominee (2007-2008) 

 Author's Website: Sandra Horning Website