Hugville    by Court Crandall & Joe Murray Order:  USA  Can Random House, 2005 (2005) Hardcover      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson In this picture book, the rotundly huggable mayor welcomes readers (in Court Crandall's cheerful verses) to 'cross the town line / And sample each hug on the Hugville town sign.' Joe Murray's bright and zany illustrations highlight all the hugging that goes on (my favorite being the unlikely hug between a dog and cat on the back cover). It's quite a town. Kids are taught hug subjects in grade school (by someone with a Ph.D., a 'Professional Hugging Degree' no less). Then there's the town zoo, where we're instructed in the art of monkey ('The Monkey Hug's one that every child knows. / Climb up a friend's limbs all the way to his nose') and octopus hugging techniques - the author tells us the latter can 'take hours to untangle'. Tornado and Pogo Stick hugging sound like fun, but I don't know about that Itchy Dog Hug! Kids love to hug and be hugged, and this irresistible book enthusiastically encourages it. It even includes a simple cut out Hug Jug Kit at the back. And it ends perfectly: 'Pretend that your arms are all covered with glue / And hug the one reading this story to you!' Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews