“Mommy,” said Lucy. “Can I have a hug before I go to bed?” When Mommy jokes that she only has one hug left, Lucy decides she must keep Mommy’s last hug safe. As Lucy shares the hug with everyone in her large and loving family, she is always careful to get it back . . . until the canine member of the family refuses to play along! Highly acclaimed, internationally bestselling picture-book creators Nick Bland and Freya Blackwood collaborate for the first time on this charming story, which celebrates the imaginative powers of children and the extraordinary love to be found in ordinary bedtime routines.

What Kind of Book is The Runaway Hug

Topics

bedtime getting ready for bed hugs family love valentines family life feelings and emotions social themes imagination and play

Genres

fiction

Reviews

The Goodfather

4.00

Marmee

5.00

This book has a simple story, sweet message and absolutely gorgeous illustrations that add depth and character. Both the text and illustrations are soothing, making this a perfect read for helping little ones take a deep breath and calm down in preparation for quiet time or bed time. There is one illustration where the mom is not wearing pants (just a long sleeve shirt and underwear) while folding clothes, but it doesn't bother me!

B is for Bookworm

6.00

This is such a sweet bedtime book! I love the idea that there's just one hug left, so you have to give it back. :) I also love the final illustrations showing the whole family, all the kids in bed. Also, this didn't bother me at all, but one thing to note in case you'd like to know is that there are a few illustrations where both the mother and daughter are getting dressed and are just wearing underwear (though a full shirt on in both cases).

Book Lists That Include The Runaway Hug

Books about bedtime

Books about getting ready for bed

Books about hugs

The Creatives Behind the Book

Author

Nick Bland

Illustrator

Freya Blackwood

The daughter of a painter and an architect, Freya Blackwood began drawing at a young age. She has collaborated with many wonderful authors, including Libby Gleeson, Margaret Wild, Jan Ormerod, Roddy Doyle, and Nick Bland. Freya won the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal for Harry and Hopper, and her books have been honored in the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Awards many times. Visit her at FreyaBlackwood.com.au.