I Want a Hug

by John Alfred Rowe

From the zany imagination of John A. Rowe comes the story of a little hedgehog-like creature named Elvis, who just wants to be hugged. Poor Elvis is so prickly that no one wants to go near him. “Please,” he asks, “won’t someone give me a hug?” Everywhere he goes he sees hugs—in the city, in the park, in the forest—but no one anywhere will give him one. Just as he’s about to give up, he hears someone crying out, “Won’t someone give me a kiss?” It’s Colin the crocodile, and he’s so ugly that no one will kiss him. The two become instant pals, with hugs and kisses aplenty. Here is an adorable book about what it means to reach out to someone.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Storytime, Humor

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 20, 2007

Reviews

[♡ Sonja Rosa Lisa ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Der kleine Igel Elvis ist traurig. Überall sieht er Umarmungen - im Park, im Krankenhaus, am Bahnhof. Überall bittet er die Leute, auch ihn einmal zu umarmen, doch alle lehnen ab. Elvis ist einfach zu stachelig! Doch dann begegnet er Kevin, und Kevin möchte nichts anderes als einen Kuss...

Dieses sehr schmale Kinderbuch hat zwar wenig Text, dafür aber einen tollen Inhalt mit einer wichtigen Botschaft! Es zeigt, wie wichtig es ist, aufeinander zuzugehen.

Mir hat es sehr gut gefallen. Ich gebe "nur" vier Sterne, weil mich persönlich der Zeichenstil nicht gänzlich überzeugen konnte. Trotzdem ist es ein schönes und wertvolles Buch!

[Heather Lei · Rating 2 out of 5]

I should say that my kids have a much more favorable opinion of this book than I do. Probably because they are innocent of the world and its dangers.

This is a cute book on the surface. I wanted to pick up that little hedgehog and hug him and beat all the other animals in the book senseless. I think my problem is that Elvis is wearing a diaper. He's a little baby who wants a hug and all these adults are shunning him. That's horrible. They should be ashamed. I also find the ending a bit creepy. Maybe if Colin were also a child. I just... it disturbs me. Sorry. And I am sorry.

My kids have not been exposed to certain evils and therefore love the book. I really wish I could feel the same.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rowe, John A. I Want a Hug PICTURE BOOK Penguin, 2007.

Little Elvis Hedgehog so badly wants a hug, but everyone he meets says that he is way too prickly. Rejection after rejection hurts his feelings, until he finds someone who is willing to take a chance. Irresistably adorable. Elvis will melt your heart with just one glance at his darling little face.

I feel a stuffed animal being born! As a bonus, the idea can be used as a ready-made Advisory lesson for an older class, too.

EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit...#

Elvis wanted a hug and no one would hug him, they thought he was too prickly.
He finally found someone who would even kiss him. Find out who would even kiss him.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Little Elvis wanted was a hug, but no one was willing because they all said he was too prickly. This tale centers on the need for physical contact. Written with compassion and humor, it will sure to please its reader.

[MiR · Rating 3 out of 5]

من از اون دست آدم هام، که برای خودم هرروز که بلند میشم میگم "تنها زندگی میکنی، تنها می‌میری" برای همین حتی اگر از شدت درد خون‌ریزی کنم باور نمیکنم خوبی و اهمیت بقیه رو... نمیدونم حس عجیبی داشت خوندنش.

[Svenja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eine viel zu kurze, niedliche Geschichte mit ganz süßen Zeichnungen.

Elvis ist einfach so goldig. ♥

[Bianca Orellana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet, a little sad, but ultimately teaches children (and adults) not to shun people for their looks and appreciate other forms of lovableness.

[Marisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amazon level: 4 - 8 years
Novelist level: Pre-Kindergarten - Kindergarten

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was told correctly--reading this book made me want to hug a hedgehog. A very cute hedgehog and I just wanted to give him a hug the whole time. Poor guy--I completely understand the desire to be hugged and never receiving any. Maybe I am too prickly, but did anyone ever think that more hugs would help to take away some of the prickles? I suppose I just need to keep reading "How to Hug a Porcupine?" Anywho. The ending of this book was perfectly wonderful. I think most people would be able to relate.

[The Library Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think Patti Stren's "Hug Me" was the same story, only done better. And while I've got nothing against interspecies hugging :) I found the sight of a hug between a porcupine and a crocodile pretty unnerving....

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet story about a little hedgehog who wants a hug. Very similar to "Porcupining." Big, bold illustrations and a short, humorous narrative make this a good story to read aloud, followed by lots of hugs and kisses!

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a surprisingly cute story about a little hedgehog that wants a hug. Super cute illustrations help to tell the story as Elvis tries to find someone, anyone, to give him a hug. But no one will. With a little twist I didn't see coming, the ending is super sweet.

[The Brothers · Rating 3 out of 5]

A darling little hedgehog, named Elvis, just wants a hug. But he's prickly and not at all snuggly, so no one will give it to him. In the end, Elvis finds a friend in a crocodile who understands who it is when no one wants to snuggle you.

Cute illustrations.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um delicioso livro ilustrado, com uma história inteligente e que dá que pensar. Absolutamente adorável!

[Mira Domsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little hedgehog wants a hug, but everyone says he is too prickly. Decent storytime book, short and simple.

[Kymberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute!! Loved it!!

[Kristin Sprague · Rating 4 out of 5]

everyone loves hugs

[Ashley Wesner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another adorable book about prickly animals that I'm reading to my preschoolers for summer story time!

[Adva · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story about differences and how everyone needs a little care and attention, no matter how prickly or toothy they seem. And you'd definitely want to hug a hedgehog :)

[Cmfzebra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like his little bum.

[Meghan Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most adorable porcupine ever!