A boy shows ample pride in his hugging prowess in this ode to spreading joy, the first book Campbell (If Dogs Run Free) has both written and illustrated. There's no one and nothing that the protagonist—clad in shorts, a striped polo, and red boots—won't hug. He's so confident about the power of his "irresistible" hugs to calm people down, cheer them up, or "make the biggest feel small. The smallest feel big," that he calls himself the Hug Machine. Spiky porcupine? No problem. The Hug Machine dons a facemask, oven mitts, and a pillow before going in for the squeeze. Super-huge whale? The Hug Machine slides down the whale's back and hugs in increments. After a long day of hug-giving, the Hug Machine "can hug no more" and is scooped up into his mother's arms. Campbell's simply outlined watercolors exude warmth, emotion, and sly humor, from the deadpan expressions of several surprised recipients of the Hug Machine's hugs to his own serenely closed eyes during each hug, which make it clear that he's giving each hug his utmost. Ages 4–8. (Aug.)

PreS-Gr 1—Much like cats, young children can be quite persnickety about whom they embrace and when. Not so with this story's protagonist, aka the Hug Machine. This boy takes it upon himself to calm and cheer everyone, and everything (rocks, trees), he encounters with a warm hug. He takes his work quite seriously and no challenge is too tough (a porcupine) or large (a whale) for him to wrap his arms around. It's a big, important job that requires frequent refueling (pizza) to keep his "hugging energy high," but he's up to the task. Finally, when he's about to collapse from exhaustion, he acquiesces to his mom's request and lets her hold the Hug Machine in her arms. Campbell's stylized watercolor cartoon art is the perfect foil for the straightforward text. The humor is deadpan and the illustrations, though quirky, are enormously appealing. The diminutive boy is depicted with large eyes and extra-long arms, so he's well prepared for his chosen mission. Absolutely irresistible.—Luann Toth, School Library Journal

PreS-K—Campbell's enthusiastic hugger makes for a splendid board book adaptation. The young child embraces a number of people, animals, and objects, proudly describing the wonders that his hugs can perform. The rosy palette and watercolor art lend the work a warm, intimate feeling, which is pleasantly offset by some goofier moments. The expression of pure bliss on the protagonist's face is infectious—it's not hard to imagine little ones giving their best hugs after reading.—Della Farrell, School Library Journal