I think I liked this book more than my kids. The story follows the bear as he happily goes about the forrest loving and hugging everything he sees. There's that little bit of suspense as he follows than man with the ax since we, unlike the bear, know he isn't gazing at that tree with innocent love. The illustrations are adorable, especially the faces of the animals being hugged. I loved how at the end the bird was hugging the tree with the bear.My son (the family's green thumb) loved the books "love the Earth" message and was happy the bear wasn't "too angry" at the man with the ax. Don't argue and fight- hug your opponent! Younger kids will get the book's message too and the might even decide to share some hugs too. This is an incredible, fantastic and adorable book!We ordered this from the Scholastic in an Earth Day pack and my kids have fallen in love with it. I have been asked to read it at least five times and we received it yesterday! :)It is just the sweetest book with such a wonderful message. I am thinking about volunteering to read it to my daughter's Grade 1 class tomorrow in honour of Earth Day :)Also the illustrations and expressions on the animals faces when being hugged by the huge bar are priceless! :D
Love this story and have used it a lot in storytimes and outreach. It never fails to get giggles.
—keziah
Aaliyah loved this book. I must say that I loved it, too! :)
—longjohn
the bear's a tree hugger
—cydney
Adorable!
—muiz
