About the Holiday

As the icy days of January settle in, National Cuddle Up Day reminds us that snuggling up with someone you love warms you, warms your heart, and builds strong relationships. Children especially love the comfort and security that hugs bring. And what would bedtime be without snuggling in with a good book like today’s sweet sure-to-be favorite?

Thank you to Cartwheel Books/Scholastic for sharing a digital copy of You’re Eggstraordinary! with me for review!

You’re Eggstraordinary!

By Sandra Magsamen

It’s all here—everything you want to tell your child whenever you see or think about them and your heart swells to bursting. Through her bright, adorable board book, Sandra Magsamen lets parents, grandparents, caregivers, and even older siblings express how much they love and admire the little one in their life.

Text and illustration © 2025 by Sandra Magsamen. Courtesy of Cartwheel Books.

Magsamen’s punny verses and cute-as-a-button chick brim with enthusiasm that will excite and charm young children as they soak up all the praise about how they make wishes come true, show kindness, are amazing, are the best cuddle buddies, and are simply, well . . . eggstraordinary! The delightful puff of feathers atop the book add soft, tickly fun sure to elicit plenty of giggles.

Short and sweet, You’re Eggstraordinary! is the perfect book to share with little ones whenever you want to remind them of how much they’re loved (i.e. all the time!). This book makes a terrific gift and is a fantastic choice for story time, bedtime, whenever a child needs comforting, and even as a take-along book to the park, playground, or wherever waiting is anticipated. 

Ages Baby – 5

Cartwheel Books, 2025 | ISBN 978-1546140122

Sandra Magsamen is the author and illustrator of many books for young children, including the picture book When I Grow Up I Want to Be Me, as well as a number of bestselling novelty titles, including Everybody Goes Nighty-Night, named a Best Board Book of 2018 by The Children’s Book Review; Baby Love; I Love You, Little Pumpkin; and Peek-a-Boo, I Love You. As an artist, an art therapist, and a mom, she uses her creativity to remind people to express themselves and connect with others. Her lifestyle brands, products, and books are sold worldwide. Visit her at sandramagsamen.com.

National Cuddle Up Day Activity

Cuddle Chick Craft

Like the little chick in today’s book, kids love to cuddle! With this craft, kids can made a cute chick cuddle buddy for playtime, story time, or bedtime! Kids can personalize their chick as to size, color, fabric, and facial expression and whether it has a comb or feathers. Just remember—while all chicks are different, they all love a hug!

Supplies

• Fleece, gingham, or other fabric for the body large enough for the back and front. The size of fabric depends on the size of the chick to be made. 
• Fleece or other fabric for a comb; feathers for a fluffy top. 
• Small piece of fleece or other material for wings
• Small scraps of fleece or other material for the eyes and beak. Kids can have fun trying different eyes to make facial expressions and may enjoy attaching velcro to the body and backs of eyes to be able to change them.
• Poly Fill
• Thread and sewing needle OR hot glue
• Scissors

Directions

To Make the Body

1. Cut two circles from the fabric in your choice of size. (I used a pot lid to outline my circles)
2. If sewing, place the right sides of the fabric together and sew around the edges, leaving two or three inches open. If using hot glue, glue around the edges of the right side of fabric of each circle and put together, leaving two or three inches open.
3. Turn the fabric inside out
4. Stuff with poly fill

To Add the Comb 

1. Cut a piece of fleece or other fabric 2 or 3 inches wide as your buddy and about 6 inches long
2. Fold the fleece lengthwise
3. Insert both ends of the fleece into the opening at the top of the body
4. Sew or glue the opening shut, securing the comb
5. Cut strips about ¼-inch wide from the top of the fabric to close to the body

To Add Feathers

1. Gather feathers and place them into the opening at the top of the body
2. Glue or sew them in place

To Make Wings

1. Cut 2 teardrop-shaped pieces of fabric to pit the body 
2. Sew or glue them to each side of the buddy, folding them around the side so half shows on the front and the back

To Make the Face

1. Cut eyes and beak from fabric 
2. Sew or glue the face to the buddy

You can purchase You’re Eggstraordinary! from these book sellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review