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Daddy Hugs
Little ones love daddy hugs.Feathered hugs... whiskered hugs... cozy hugs.Just-daddy-and-me hugs.
All across the woodlands, animal daddies and their little ones cuddle up together. From furry bear hugs to silky hare hugs, Nancy Tafuri celebrates all the hugs that are extra special because they are just-daddy-and-me hugs. A special author's note includes a list of critters to seek and find on each page, along with their scientific names.
All across the woodlands, animal daddies and their little ones cuddle up together. From furry bear hugs to silky hare hugs, Nancy Tafuri celebrates all the hugs that are extra special because they are just-daddy-and-me hugs. A special author's note includes a list of critters to seek and find on each page, along with their scientific names.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published December 16, 2014
1 person is currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Tafuri
67 books57 followersNancy Tafuri is probably best known as the creator of Have You Seen My Duckling?, a 1985 Caldecott Honor Book described by Parent’s Choice as “beautifully precise yet emotionally affecting.” Trained as a graphic designer, Tafuri has authored more than 45 books over 30 years for the very young.
When Tafuri first attempted picture book illustration in the late 1970’s picture books were aimed at five-, six-, and seven-year-olds. Tafuri’s images were considered “too graphic” for children that age. “The pictures are too big,” she was told over and over about the large, colorful shapes she drew. Finally, Tafuri’s talent was recognized and tapped at Greenwillow Books, Harper Collins Publishers.
Since then she has had the opportunity to work with Scholastic Press, Scholastic Inc., Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division and most recently Little, Brown Books For Young Readers, Little, Brown and Company.
Tafuri was born in Brooklyn, New York. For the first ten years of her life she was an only child and says that this helped her to learn to entertain herself with stories and art.
Tafuri entered the School of Visual Arts in New York City in 1964. Her first job was as an assistant art director for the publishing firm Simon & Schuster. She left two years later and married Thomas Tafuri, a fellow student at the School of Visual Arts.
The Tafuri’s opened their own graphic design studio, in 1971. Their primary product was dust jackets for hardcover books. They opened their business in New York City, but eventually moved their studio and home to Connecticut.
At this time, Nancy was able to devote all of her time to writing and illustration.
When Tafuri finally found herself illustrating children’s books, either her own or other authors’, she felt she had found her life’s calling and a strong sense of joy from creating them. She loves to take a small portion of the text and create a visual representation that children can grasp and remember. In 1989, when Cristina was born, Nancy began to feel even more strongly motivated to illustrate for children. Her work seemed even more important and more personal.
“I feel honored to be creating literature for young children. Seeing how very important the early years are in a person’s life, I can only hope that my books can contribute in some small way to that growth, with the feelings that I hope I project within those pages, through line, color, shape, and story.”
When Tafuri first attempted picture book illustration in the late 1970’s picture books were aimed at five-, six-, and seven-year-olds. Tafuri’s images were considered “too graphic” for children that age. “The pictures are too big,” she was told over and over about the large, colorful shapes she drew. Finally, Tafuri’s talent was recognized and tapped at Greenwillow Books, Harper Collins Publishers.
Since then she has had the opportunity to work with Scholastic Press, Scholastic Inc., Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division and most recently Little, Brown Books For Young Readers, Little, Brown and Company.
Tafuri was born in Brooklyn, New York. For the first ten years of her life she was an only child and says that this helped her to learn to entertain herself with stories and art.
Tafuri entered the School of Visual Arts in New York City in 1964. Her first job was as an assistant art director for the publishing firm Simon & Schuster. She left two years later and married Thomas Tafuri, a fellow student at the School of Visual Arts.
The Tafuri’s opened their own graphic design studio, in 1971. Their primary product was dust jackets for hardcover books. They opened their business in New York City, but eventually moved their studio and home to Connecticut.
At this time, Nancy was able to devote all of her time to writing and illustration.
When Tafuri finally found herself illustrating children’s books, either her own or other authors’, she felt she had found her life’s calling and a strong sense of joy from creating them. She loves to take a small portion of the text and create a visual representation that children can grasp and remember. In 1989, when Cristina was born, Nancy began to feel even more strongly motivated to illustrate for children. Her work seemed even more important and more personal.
“I feel honored to be creating literature for young children. Seeing how very important the early years are in a person’s life, I can only hope that my books can contribute in some small way to that growth, with the feelings that I hope I project within those pages, through line, color, shape, and story.”
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 18, 2020
A series of woodland creatures exchange "Just-Daddy-and-me" hugs with their fathers in this sweet picture-book, with the next father-child pair hinted at in the artwork on each two-page spread.
As someone who researches the depiction of foxes in children's books, I initially picked up Daddy Hugs because of the beautiful vulpine pair on the cover. Although disappointed to discover that the story inside didn't revolve around foxes, I nevertheless found the artwork here quite lovely. Tafuri's watercolor and pencil illustrations are somewhat naive in style, and look a little flat, but they have a colorful, almost folksy sensibility that I liked. I also appreciated the way in which each subsequent animal pair was hinted at in the artwork, and the fact that all of the animals and insects depicted on each page are named at the back of the book. The text here was somewhat wanting - simple and repetitive, but not in a very interesting way - but for those looking for books about children and their daddies, this might be one to consider.
As someone who researches the depiction of foxes in children's books, I initially picked up Daddy Hugs because of the beautiful vulpine pair on the cover. Although disappointed to discover that the story inside didn't revolve around foxes, I nevertheless found the artwork here quite lovely. Tafuri's watercolor and pencil illustrations are somewhat naive in style, and look a little flat, but they have a colorful, almost folksy sensibility that I liked. I also appreciated the way in which each subsequent animal pair was hinted at in the artwork, and the fact that all of the animals and insects depicted on each page are named at the back of the book. The text here was somewhat wanting - simple and repetitive, but not in a very interesting way - but for those looking for books about children and their daddies, this might be one to consider.
September 2, 2015
SUMMARY: This is a repetitive book showing different animals and how they best love to snuggle with Daddy for hugs.
ILLUSTRATIONS: The illustrations appear to have been done in colored pencil. They have a soft look. The pictures are big for the little ones and full of soft colors. There are other little creatures in the background for an additional seek and find activity.
REVIEW: This was a very sweet book that celebrates fathers and the love they can give through hugs. Books too much shy away from Daddy hugs and I am glad for this perfect book. It is very repetitive with the phrase "Just-Daddy-and-me-hugs," but the littlest ones will love repeating it along with the reader along the way. There are some texture words that may be unfamiliar to the listener such as silky, downy, bristly. But these would be a great learning experience by finding things that feel like they do. This book also has a wide variety of animals for children to learn and a glossary in the back of the "hidden" animals on the pages. A lovely book that I highly recommend.
AGE RECOMMENDATION: Advertised for ages 3-6. I think the board book would be perfect for ages 0-4 and this hardback book would be better suited for the ages 3-6.
ILLUSTRATIONS: The illustrations appear to have been done in colored pencil. They have a soft look. The pictures are big for the little ones and full of soft colors. There are other little creatures in the background for an additional seek and find activity.
REVIEW: This was a very sweet book that celebrates fathers and the love they can give through hugs. Books too much shy away from Daddy hugs and I am glad for this perfect book. It is very repetitive with the phrase "Just-Daddy-and-me-hugs," but the littlest ones will love repeating it along with the reader along the way. There are some texture words that may be unfamiliar to the listener such as silky, downy, bristly. But these would be a great learning experience by finding things that feel like they do. This book also has a wide variety of animals for children to learn and a glossary in the back of the "hidden" animals on the pages. A lovely book that I highly recommend.
AGE RECOMMENDATION: Advertised for ages 3-6. I think the board book would be perfect for ages 0-4 and this hardback book would be better suited for the ages 3-6.
January 23, 2015
Beautiful pictures, as always, but the text was lacking.
September 3, 2025
The next time it's Daddy's turn to put the kids to bed, pull this sweet read out.
Ages: 2 - 4
Here’s a few of our bedtime favs: watch my reel!
Content Considerations: nothing to note.
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Ages: 2 - 4
Here’s a few of our bedtime favs: watch my reel!
Content Considerations: nothing to note.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide Content Considerations, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
If you’re considering a book or looking for a new title to read, check out my highly categorized shelves, read my reviews and Friend or Follow me to spiff up your feed with clean, wholesome, living books.
I have an Instagram account that’s pretty bookishly unique too!
January 15, 2015
A cute Daddy-and-me book about Daddy-and-me hugs, this was a great read for Daddy-daughter night while I was out writing. Daddy Guy reported that Baby gave him hugs at each Daddy-and-me part, increasing the cuteness of this adorable book with it's cute animal illustrations. Some of the phrasing is curious (turtle hugs?) but an overall winner for little ones and their daddies.
January 22, 2015
Tafuri's pictures never seem to disappoint. Warm fuzzy watercolor paints and pencil illustrations depict all types of just-daddy-and-me hugs. Fantastic picture book for storytime, probably toddlers and up.
April 11, 2015
Tafuri's illustrations are simply marvelous. The colors are rich and vibrant - big full-page renderings of woodland animals giving their babies hugs. Even the paper feels good to the touch. Would be an excellent lap book for naptime or bedtime. Good for snuggles.
April 27, 2015
A perfect story for father and child! Animal hugs are described and beautifully illustrated. Children will enjoy repeating the animal sounds. The variety of animals is accompanied by a list of their scientific names in the appendix which presents a great learning opportunity.
April 30, 2015
The art is fantastic, as always. It might be a little repetitive to read aloud since the second line is always the same, but I would probably read it for an animal story time anyway. LOVE the art. Love it!
May 26, 2015
With sweet, simple text that repeats the phrase "just-daddy-and-me-hugs" and warm illustrations that show various animals--turtles, skunks, chipmunks, and many others--nuzzling up to their animal daddies, this would be a great lap book to read with your little one this Father's Day.
August 14, 2015
Bookaday #150. Lovely soft illustrations of animal fathers and babies having bedtime hugs. I can just hear all the ahhhs during storytime. Attentive readers will notice the tails of animals on the next page. End matter gives scientific names of all animals pictured.
February 2, 2018
Gorgeous illustrations. Various animals, all kinds of hugs--wet hugs, furry hugs, feathery hugs, slimy hugs. But Daddy hugs are the best. Lost of flowers and different kinds of animals. Lovely pictures.
December 31, 2014
Not as Daddy-specific as it is species-specific. A series of animals embrace in their own unique ways. Text follows a pattern and makes for a good read aloud.
Toddlers and PreK.
Toddlers and PreK.
December 15, 2014
Great illustrations.
January 11, 2015
This is so sweet! A perfect choice for Valentine's Day, Father's Day, or just a Tuesday.
January 22, 2015
What kind of Daddy hugs do you like? A book with awesome Tafuri illustrations - so much to see and look at. Short text makes it great to read with all ages.
June 30, 2015
Works best as a bedtime story. The illustrations are beautiful and there is a list of the animals and insects featured on each page.
April 1, 2015
As expected, another wonderful book by Nancy Tafuri. Just in time for father's day! A wonderful book to share with a child. Clever use of the sounds the animals make. Get this book!!
June 3, 2015
Read this today for baby storytime.
August 10, 2015
Bland illustration style, though it was fun to see previews and guess which animals would be on the next page and to find out what sounds all these animals make. Repetitive text. Not recommended.
September 1, 2015
Always looking for books with a focus on dads, and the kid and I really enjoyed this sweet story. Lovely illustrations and spare text make it ideal for a quick night time read.
April 25, 2016
The only thing that makes this a "Daddy Hugs" book is the fact that every page says just daddy and me hugs!
July 29, 2016
This would make a great Father's Day present!
June 13, 2017
Might try this in my father lap time next week. Large pictures, but didn't grab me.
Didn't really grab the group either. 6/13/17
Didn't really grab the group either. 6/13/17
January 2, 2018
Beautifully illustrated!
January 12, 2018
The pictures are the real draw for this book. And each page has the next daddy/baby pair partially exposed in the background, waiting to be discovered.
February 20, 2025
Copyright in 2014 this Nancy Tafuri is rather different than her previous titles. Daddy Hugs has much more text with as well as a difference in content of illustrations. While these illustrations are done in Tafuri’s usual medium, watercolors and pen or pencil, the content of the double page spreads are more nature scenes than just a close up a specific animal.
For example the one with the chipmunks also has a black carpenter ant and a while admiral butterfly.
And yes, use the illustrations with your own comments if you are uncomfortable with the repeating refrain and do a seek and find of the various wildlife species found in each of the illustrations. There is a listing of the species at the end of the text.
For example the one with the chipmunks also has a black carpenter ant and a while admiral butterfly.
And yes, use the illustrations with your own comments if you are uncomfortable with the repeating refrain and do a seek and find of the various wildlife species found in each of the illustrations. There is a listing of the species at the end of the text.
November 3, 2020
The story begins with a view of a man and his son at a distance, then forest animals tell about the Daddy-and-me hugs that they love best. Each illustration has a sneak peak of what the next animal will be. It ends back where it began with the little boy and his father. The back material has a list of common and scientific names for the various woodland creatures that appear in the book.
Teaching points: adjectives/describing words, patterned or repetitive texts, forest animals, making predictions
Grade level: PreK-K
Location: LES library
Related reads:
All Kinds of Kisses by Nancy Tafuri
Teaching points: adjectives/describing words, patterned or repetitive texts, forest animals, making predictions
Grade level: PreK-K
Location: LES library
Related reads:
All Kinds of Kisses by Nancy Tafuri
July 21, 2022
This book is adorable! I loved it. All the hugs in this book. It goes through different animals and what kind of hugs they love and then each animal ends with, "Just-Daddy-and-me hugs". Would make a great gift for any father from their child. The only illustration I was not a fan of was the very last one of the humans. The other animals are cuter.
October 1, 2019
Gorgeous drawings show different animals getting hugs from their fathers. Kids love calling out the animal names during a story time! And the gentle message is that our fathers can be nurturing and expressive with us. Well done!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews