About the Holiday
Of all the creatures in the animal kingdom, none may inspire such fierce emotions as snakes. And while there are plenty of species that rightly strike fear into people’s hearts, there are also many snakes that are beautiful and mild-mannered. As predators, snakes play a vital role in providing balance in the ecosystem. More than 3, 458 species are found in every part of the world, including frozen tundras and deep oceans, but habitat destruction, pollution, and other dangers threaten their population. To celebrate today’s holiday, read up on snakes or watch a documentary about these fascinating creatures. You may find yourself embracing them – just maybe not as much as the star of today’s book!
Huggy the Python Hugs Too Hard (Wee Beasties Series)
Written by Ame Dyckman | Illustrated by Alex G. Griffiths
Huggy the Python LOVES a lot of things. And he “LOVES to hug the things he loves.” It’s just that Huggy is missing a bit of …well… hug control. When he sees something he loves—like a balloon—he rushes over and gently, gently wraps himself around it. But, really, one more little squeeze won’t hurt, right? Oh dear! “Pop! Oops! You hugged too hard, Huggy.”
Image copyright Alex Griffiths, 2018, text copyright Ame Dyckman. Courtesy of Little Simon.
Maybe some ice cream will turn that frown upside down. Okay, spoon’s at the ready… so far so good. A little scoop… Yummm! That bowl needs just a leeetle hug. Oh no! What a mess! There’s even whipped cream and a cherry on top of Huggy’s very tall top hat! Perhaps a “fuzzy little dog” will cheer him up. Huggy’s all ready to give that puppy a hug when—“WAIT!” Maybe the reader can “show Huggy how to be gentle.” That’s right! So sweet!
Now it’s Huggy’s turn to show what he learned. Huggy looks a little uncertain as he stares down into those big puppy dog eyes. But he picks the puppy up and snuggles “just right.” But that tube of toothpaste in his tail? Well, you’ll see!
Image copyright Alex Griffiths, 2018, text copyright Ame Dyckman. Courtesy of Little Simon.
Part of Ame Dyckman’s new Wee Beasties series of social skills board books—which includes Roary the Lion Roars Too Loud and Touchy the Octopus Touches Everything—Huggy the Python Hugs Too Hard addresses the penchant of little ones to show just how full of love their heart really is. Combining examples that will elicit giggles, wording that prompts fun dramatic readings that toddlers can easily join in on, and a page that allows kids to practice giving just the right squeeze, Huggy the Python Hugs Too Hard gently teaches restraint in a story little ones will want to read again and again.
Alex G. Griffiths’ Huggy is a dapper cutie with his blue scarf, feathered top hat, and big, ready smile. As he whips over to show the balloon how much he loves it or cozies up to a tall dish of ice cream, his enthusiasm is infectious, but a POP! and a SQUISH! later that happy grin is a full-on frown. When Huggy wants to show some love to the little puppy, it’s up to readers to show him how it’s done. And no little one will be able to resist giving the book a snuggle when they see the sweet puppy’s outstretched arms! Griffiths’ cleverly uses nearly identical imagery when the balloon and the ice cream succumb to Huggy’s squeeze in order to show young readers the unwanted consequence of over-zealous hugs. The smiles all around when Huggy and the puppy connect just right will have little ones smiling too—and ready to give plenty of hugs.
Offering a peppy, playful way to teach young children how to hug pets, babies, friends, and even their toys as well an opportunity to discuss various emotions, Huggy the Python Hugs Too Hard would be a favorite addition to any toddler’s home bookshelf and a terrific choice for daycare, preschool, and kindergarten libraries.
Ages 2 – 5
Little Simon, 2018 | ISBN 978-1534410800
Discover more about Ame Dyckman and her books on her website.
To learn more about Alex G. Griffiths, his books, and his art, visit his website.
World Snake Day Activity
Goodness Snakes! Matching Puzzle
These twin snakes slithered away from each other! Can you match them up again in this printable Goodness Snakes! Matching Puzzle?
You can find Huggy the Python Hugs Too Hard at these booksellers
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound
Picture Book Review
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