A Cuddle for Claude

by David Wojtowycz

Claude, a young polar bear, wants his mother to cuddle him after he wakes up from his nap, but she is too busy preparing a surprise to snuggle with her son.

Genres: Picture Books, Family

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 23, 2001

Reviews

[Louise Goddard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very cute and also very realistic. It can sometimes be hard for children to realise their parents have other things to do and this shows them in a child friendly way that sometimes they might have to be independent. Also, I loved the illustrations and the subtle hint about the ending using the notes on the fridge.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet children's book, and I like the ending, but it makes me sad for Claude every time I read it. It's happy in that his mom was preparing a special surprise for him the whole time, but I don't understand why she couldn't pause between tasks to give him a cuddle! She keeps saying that she'll take a break to give him a cuddle, but when he goes back to check after trying to keep himself entertained for a bit, she's working on something new. It just feels a little like in her pursuit of the vision of the grand special thing that she feels will make him happy, she loses sight of how the small, ordinary acts of love and kindness mean the most. It would only take a second to give him a hug!

Edit: I think the purpose of the book would be better served if Claude was asking his mom to play with him. Sometimes parents don't have time to play and it's important for kids to know that they're still loved.

[Katie Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would be a nice read aloud to fill time for younger elementary.

[Treyvan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think Claude's mother is really mean. On every page Claude wants attention from his mother, and she gives him the brush off and tells him to wait because she's too busy. Sure she cuddles him at the end of the book, but I still think she's mean.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book when i was little.

[Josie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book. It is a picture book and I recommend it for little kids. I read it when I wass little. It is a heartwarming story about a polar bear who just wants a hug from his mom.