I Send You a Hug

by Anne Booth, Åsa Gilland (Illustrator)

A lyrical, heart-warming message of love from someone far away When Big Bear and Little Bear have to say goodbye, Big Bear tells Little Bear about all the ways she'll send a hug from afar- I can change my hug into bird song early in the morning, or into the sea so I can wave at you when you are on the beach. Join Little Bear on his adventure to discover all the many different ways to feel a hug from a loved one, even when apart. A soothing and uplifting story for every child who is missing someone far away.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Love

32 pages, Hardcover

Published June 3, 2025

About the author

Anne Booth always wanted to be a children’s writer, but has also cleared tables in a restaurant, sold books, been a tour guide at a haunted medieval hospital, taught English in Italy, and organized arts and crafts in a nursing home, among other things. Anne Booth lives in Kent, England, with her husband, four children, two hens, and two dogs.

Reviews

[Koskinen Sari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing. I loved both the story and the illustrations in this book. It's really sad that I don't have my own children to whom I could read this book over and over again. In the book, the theme was such that it shed light on the future, but also reminded that even though there are losses in life, memories remain in life. If I dared, I might try to find this book in a bookstore for my own bookshelf, because the quality and style of the book's illustrations were perfect. Because of this, I will probably look for other books with the same illustrator as in this book. While reading this book, I also got the feeling that maybe because of this, adults should always read children's books, because they both learn from them and especially also see the latest trends in the world of children's books.

[Terri (BooklyMatters) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Big Bear has to leave on a trip, it’s clear that being apart from Little Bear could be hard on them both. Faced with that situation, this sweet and loving book shows us solace, in all its many forms. Little Bear learns that his interactions with the world around him can soothe as they personify love and hugs and all that he needs to remember, and feel, from Big Bear in his absence, - basking completely in the knowledge that he is not alone, and he is loved. As broadly and deeply as all the stars in the sky, or grains of sand on a beach, little Bear’s everyday world, once he is open and aware, can settle his sadness and comfort him.

Unwrapping wonder with simple words and gorgeous whimsical illustrations, Big Bear will send hugs and love through breezes and clouds, sunshine and dewdrops, rainbows and gooey marshmallows. The scent of flowers, the sounds of birdsong, and the waves along an ocean shore. Touching all his senses, Nature at his fingertips, this heart-felt lesson cannot help but elevate Little Bear (as it does the reader) to a special place, - a place he can visit any time, simply by observing and experiencing the wonderful world around him.

A lovely lullaby of a picture-book, and one to treasure with your little one.

A great big thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A welcome US printing that will hopefully keep interest in the original UK Penguin offering, forcing a demand for it to stay on the shelves. This belongs there – although our young bear hero is off on his adventures knowing they might lead to him ending up just about anywhere. The charming message to him and to us through these pages is that wherever that is, his parent's hugs will be there too. For yes, the older bear has so many caveats, that the hug can be a raindrop or a rainbow, can be a smell or a taste or birdsong, or just the hushing of treetops. Anything vaguely pleasing, or satisfying, can be a hug, and we are therefore never out of contact with their sender. It's a powerful message of reassurance, with the young bear shown very nicely in dramatic style throughout the small saga of his journey, alongside yes, so many many things that could remind him of a welcome hug. For us, this book should certainly be one of those – four and a half stars.

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really heartwarming book!

Big bear and Little Bear find it hard to be away from each other. When Big Bear has to say good bye to Little Bear, Little Bear is sad. But Big Bear reassures Little Bear that she will always be there.

A really beautiful message that loved ones don’t have to physically be with you to show their love. It is a wonderful book showing the relationship you have with a loved one. Big bear tells Little Bear that wherever they are Big bear’s love will always find them in things they love like the breeze, sunshine or hooting owls.

The illustrations are wonderful with vivid colours with a gentle feel to them.

Hugely powerful message, wonderfully written with beautiful illustrations. Great for a bedtime read or to read to little ones.

[RainyDayReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book perfectly describes the love you have for someone, whether it be a child and parent like the bears in this book, or another relationship. The parent in this book tells their child that no matter where they go, they can always find their love in the things around them (like in the breeze and a hooting owl). The illustrations are so incredible that you could hang them up in a nursery, with vivid colors and cozy tones. This would be a lovely book to gift to a child you have a long-distance relationship with or really any loved one.

(Thanks to the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.)

[Brianna Shrout · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book via the Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This looked like a cute read and I was excited after reading the blurb. I do wish it had a bit more explanation as to why Little Bear was having to say goodbye. The rhyme scheme/phrases at times were hard to follow. It was a cute story overall but could be edited to follow a little bit better.

This is a great gift for Mother’s Day and will definitely look at buying it for my daughter when it releases. The illustrations were beautiful and went with the story really well.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This adorable picture book really warmed my heart. I was touched by all the different metaphors for love. The book had a message that resonated with me, because I think it is important to feel that we are loved, even if that love can't be shown physically, because we are apart. I have often wished that it was possible to "send" a hug to someone, which is why this book caught my attention. It was a delightful little book, with cute illustrations and a powerful message. I think it would be a lovely book to read to or with children.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has lovely illustrations. It’s my favorite part of the entire book. They’re soft and cheerful and really feel like a hug. As for the story it is overly long. It’s almost like the author. Took two books and merged them into one. If the first half of the book was cut out and this was just the last half, where “I sent you a hug” and all the ways they send it, this book would’ve been perfect. But that extra stuff on what all a hug could be from the beginning just made it very hard to get through. It felt overly long and never ending at the same time. The story is there, I just don’t like it all together.

[Ashley Guerrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I Send You a Hug" is a heartwarming addition that resonates with its timeless message of love and connection. In a world where children can sometimes feel isolated and anxious, this book beautifully reassures them that they are cherished, regardless of the physical distance between them and their loved ones. The stunning artwork in the book truly captures the imagination of both younger and older readers alike. What's particularly engaging is the inclusion of a cardinal on each page, inviting kids on a little scavenger hunt.

Thank you to Edelweiss and SourceBooks for the DRC!

[pineapple tofu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It is a soft and heartwarming tale of being apart from our loved ones. Join little bear on their adventures across faraway lands and majestic seas. This picture book shows the ways that Mama Bear is sending her love to her child, who is either sailing or flying high with the sea birds. It's beautiful in the ways that love is always there. With colors that splash on each page, vibrant in its hues. A lovely tale.

[Trina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet book all about how everything can be a hug from someone you love from the sunshine on your skin to your favorite smells. It is beautifully illustrated with the cutest little bear. This book is great for young readers and gives such a great message about how when we miss someone they are sending us hugs in so many ways.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet book, adorably illustrated, precious message. Can you find a hug in the raindrops, the wind, birdsong? Especially sweet from a grandparent to a grandchild if they are geographically separated 💕

[Holly Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC reader for NetGalley

This little bear learns even when a loved one isn’t near their love and hugs can be found anywhere and in everything. A great story for any little, but especially those with separation anxiety.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for reading if their is separation anxiety, or if a child is going to stay with someone for an overnight or longer stay. IT reminds the child that the parent's love is with them even when they aren't together. It has great illustrations and a a nice lesson put into a story.

[Jennifer Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute book with really pretty pictures. My daughter said it was a little sad, but the pictures made her happy. I love the message that you can find "hugs" from your loved ones in so many different things.

I volunteered to read this ARC through NetGalley

[Megan Wrye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this and the whole premise behind it. It was too advanced a concept for my four year old the really understand in a first read but I’ll read it many times with him.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming. We can stay connected in so many ways.

[Morgan the Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this. It would work for anyone struggling either with grief or with the people they love being far away from them, I think.

[RUTH WASHINGTON · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is deeply moving. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful on every page. I can’t wait to use this with children in my primary school.

[lily (powpowpup) · Rating 4 out of 5]

une mamie explique a sont petit fils que sont amour est partout malgré qu'elle ne seras plus avec lui physiquement. un beau conte sur le deuil et l'amour ❤️

[Marie-Pier Dodier · Rating 3 out of 5]

S'ennuyer de quelqu'un.