Hugs From Pearl was on display in the children's room at our local (fabulous) East Lansing Public Library. It is a lovely story about Pearl the porcupine. Pearl loves being a friend, loves going to school, and LOVES giving hugs. Would you want a hug from a porcupine? Fortunately her teacher keeps a stock of band-aids and her friends are understanding, but Pearl is concerned that her hugs are ouchy for her friends. She decides to try some solutions to make her hugs a bit less ouchy. Schmid's illustrations are the perfect accompaniment Pearl's character. The soft pastel colors and crayon-like lines don't overwelm the storyline and add to this story about staying true to yourself while also considering others. This would be a great selection for preschool-early elementary classrooms for both read alouds and independent reading. Pearl is a very friendly porcupine who loves to give hugs. But no one likes to get hugs from Pearl because they hurt. This makes Pearl sad. So she tries different ways to make her quills a little softer. Nothing works until she stops by to visit a rose bush one day and discovers the answer to her prickly hugs. Schmid’s simple and sweet pastel illustrations reveal Pearl’s softer side. Young children will enjoy watching Pearl solve her problem. Perhaps they will even be inspired to think of ways to soften their own prickly sides.
3.5 stars -- Adorably illustrated picture book about a porcupine who likes to give prickly hugs.
—davo
Adorable little porcupine who wants to make her hugs a little less "ouch"
—Jennyweber69
4 stars just 'cause it was so cute, especially with those illustrations.
—Outreach
