Deliver toUnited Arab Emirates
The Hug (Hedgehog & Friends)

Description:

A beautiful, heartwarming picture book with all the universal appeal of Guess How Much I Love You.

Hedgehog was feeling sad.
As sad as a hedgehog can feel.
So sad only one thing could help . . .

Tortoise was feeling sad.
As sad as a tortoise can feel.
So sad only one thing could help . . .

In this clever flipbook, both a hedgehog and a tortoise are looking for a hug. They ask all the other animals they come across but for some reason no one will hug them. Until a wise owl explains: Hedgehog is too spiky; Tortoise is too bony.

And that's when they find each other!

'Feels like being enveloped in your very own hug.'Kirkus
'A smashing story time tale.' — Books for Keeps
'It's utterly lovely. It makes her face light up every time she hears it.' — The Guardian Best Books of 2019

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Watching unlikely friends finally be as 'happy as two someones can be' feels like being enveloped in your very own hug."—Kirkus

"A tender story that carries the message of embracing one's perceived shortcomings, best to be shared with early elementary students and the very young.” -
School Library Journal

“Sometimes all you need is a little TLC, but that’s easier said than done for a prickly-backed hedgehog and a hard-shelled tortoise. With adorable arms outstretched, the two embark from opposite sides of this innovative flip book as they encounter a parade of alarmed forest animals intent on declining their offers to embrace with one hilarious excuse after another—until Tortoise and Hedgehog meet in the middle, proving that there really is someone out there for everyone.” —
Foreword Reviews

“Such a simple little book, this offers a great amount of pleasure when the two animals find one another ... Perfect for when you need a hug, even if you are a bit prickly or too hard.” —
Waking Brain Cell

"A perfectly charming picture book … a delightful read-aloud selection.” —
All About the Books with Janet Squires

“I love the story and the adorable artwork. An especially good read for anyone who has had trouble finding a friend but potentially eye-opening for those who easily reject others.” —
Susan Uhlig, So Many Good Books

“ A sweet story that reminds readers that there’s always someone out there to hug, no matter how prickly or how tough you may think you’re feeling.” —
Rosemary Kidlatis, Queens Public Library librarian and reviewer at MomReadIt

The Hug is simple and sweet and deeply satisfying.” — Tanya Turkek, Books4YourKids

“Read from one side then flip it and read from the other side. You end up in the same spot and it is all adorable. You see, tortoise and hedgehog both just want a hug and are turned down by all the other animals until they find each other in the center of the book… It’s a creative concept that will keep what is a short picture book in the toddler rotation much longer.” —
WindyCityReader

“A beautiful quiet book, perfect bedtime, that children will want to read again and again.”—
Rebecca Herzog, SlothReads

About the Author

Eoin McLaughlin was born in Ireland, moved to the UK and now lives in London with his wife and their new baby. Along the way he has written several books and is unbearably excited for them to come out. This is his debut picture book, with many more in the pipeline.

Polly Dunbar is one of the most well known illustrators working today. Polly's bestselling book, Penguin, has won numerous awards and was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal. Polly is the illustrator of Shoe Baby, Pat-a-Cake Baby andtwo picture books written by David Almond. Polly lives in the Waveny Valley, Suffolk with her partner and their two boys.

Review:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good book for kids and adults alike.

B. · March 4, 2025

This is a fabulous double-sided book with two stories that share the same ending. Great book to gift, great book for children.

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspires my kid to hug me intensely every time

H.N. · October 17, 2021

I didn't realize this book was really two books in one when I ordered it. One side of the book tells the turtle's story, and the other side of the book tells the hedgehog's story, then they meet in the middle of the book to give each other a hug! My four-year-old son has sensory issues and difficulty expressing his emotions. This book inspires such a joyous response from him every time we read it! I use this story to talk about the emotions of the characters; what do we think this character is feeling. He loves to hug people, so he gets super excited to see the turtle and hedgehog get to find a friend in each other and hug. He always grabs my neck and grits his teeth together to smash his face into mine when we get to the center of the book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet book, with a cute surprise!

S. · March 17, 2021

I bought this book for my 5yo Grandson as a "I love you" Valentine's gift! He enjoyed the story and pictures. He was surprised and fascinated with the synonymous dual stories. I have observed him picking up and looking through the book on various occasions when he is visiting me ...and his Papa. Definitely a keeper! ...the book, and my Grandson!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Such a Hopeful, Beautiful Story!

J.K. · November 1, 2021

I am a teacher who initially purchased this book because I collect everything hedgehog. I read it to classes from 1st-5th grades and each group insisted I read Tortoise’s story as well. We were left with feelings of hope, peace, joy, and love. What a delight this book is!

5.0 out of 5 stars Great idea.

E. · December 9, 2022

Giving children the idea how to be passionate toward others who suffer.

4.0 out of 5 stars Like a Warm Hug

T.S. · May 15, 2019

This picture book is written as a split picture book that flips over with each character telling their side of the story, literally. Two creatures are looking for a hug. Hedgehog wants a hug, but no one will hug them. They can’t figure out why until an owl offers the information that they are too spiky to be hugged by most animals. Tortoise wants a hug too. He asks various animals as well, but they all refuse. The same owl explains to Tortoise that he is too hard for most animals to want to hug him. Then though, Hedgehog and Tortoise meet in the center of the book!Such a simple little book, this offers a great amount of pleasure when the two animals find one another. Even though readers will know that Hedgehog hugs Tortoise, the book is worth flipping over to read it from Tortoise’s point of view too. McLaughlin’s text is fresh and simple, much like Dunbar’s illustrations. One little element that adds to the fun is watching both Tortoise and Hedgehog get more and more grimy from the animals they meet, picking up bits of dirt and fuzz along their journeys. The hug though, the hug at the middle is pure bliss.Perfect for when you need a hug, even if you are a bit prickly or too hard. Appropriate for ages 2-4.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book.

G. · December 31, 2020

This book is excellent but I suggest that you might like to get the original book first. It makes the message so much more meaningful. I love these books and reading then to my grandchildren.

5.0 out of 5 stars Feels Like a Warm Hug!

A.H. · December 7, 2020

This is a beautiful little book with a nice message. It's a Christmas gift for my almost 2 year old grandson. I know he'll love it!

Excellent

P. · June 27, 2020

One of the loveliest books I have seen about hedgehogs. Illustrations are perfect and so nice the other side of the book is the tortoise and how they come together for a hug.

Beautiful.

G.M.A.R. · April 27, 2021

It's beautiful. The story is easy to understand for kids. I read this title to my preschool and they love it.

Such a sweet story

K.C. · February 15, 2025

The simple drawings and the cute storyline!! My 2 yrs old toddler simply adores it. We love "The Kiss" too.

Molto carino

O. · November 6, 2023

Il libricino con la copertina rigida è un po’ piccolo ma le grafiche e le scritte sono ben visibili. Forse solo difficile da maneggiare per un bambino. Comunque stupendo!

Hermoso libro

V. · February 28, 2024

Llegó un día tarde. Llegó en buenas condiciones, muy contenta con este libro lindísimo.

The Hug (Hedgehog & Friends)

Product ID: U0571348750
Condition: New

4.8

AED6923

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Type: Hardcover
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by

Free delivery on orders over AED 200

Return and refund policies

Imported From: United States

At bolo.ae, we stand behind the authenticity and quality of every product we sell. We guarantee that all items offered on our website are 100% genuine, sourced directly from authorized distributors, trusted partners, or the original brands themselves.

We do not sell counterfeit, replica, or unauthorized goods. Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support . We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, including images, descriptions, and reviews, is provided by third-party vendors. bolo.ae is not responsible for any claims, promotions, or representations made within product content or images. For more accurate or detailed product information, please contact the manufacturer directly or reach out to Bolo Support.

Unless otherwise stated during checkout, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

bolo.ae operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

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Similar items from “Emotions & Feelings”

The Hug (Hedgehog & Friends)

Product ID: U0571348750
Condition: New

4.8

Type: Hardcover

AED6923

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by

Free delivery on orders over AED 200

Return and refund policies

Imported From: United States

At bolo.ae, we stand behind the authenticity and quality of every product we sell. We guarantee that all items offered on our website are 100% genuine, sourced directly from authorized distributors, trusted partners, or the original brands themselves.

We do not sell counterfeit, replica, or unauthorized goods. Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support . We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, including images, descriptions, and reviews, is provided by third-party vendors. bolo.ae is not responsible for any claims, promotions, or representations made within product content or images. For more accurate or detailed product information, please contact the manufacturer directly or reach out to Bolo Support.

Unless otherwise stated during checkout, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

bolo.ae operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

Description:

A beautiful, heartwarming picture book with all the universal appeal of Guess How Much I Love You.

Hedgehog was feeling sad.
As sad as a hedgehog can feel.
So sad only one thing could help . . .

Tortoise was feeling sad.
As sad as a tortoise can feel.
So sad only one thing could help . . .

In this clever flipbook, both a hedgehog and a tortoise are looking for a hug. They ask all the other animals they come across but for some reason no one will hug them. Until a wise owl explains: Hedgehog is too spiky; Tortoise is too bony.

And that's when they find each other!

'Feels like being enveloped in your very own hug.'Kirkus
'A smashing story time tale.' — Books for Keeps
'It's utterly lovely. It makes her face light up every time she hears it.' — The Guardian Best Books of 2019

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Watching unlikely friends finally be as 'happy as two someones can be' feels like being enveloped in your very own hug."—Kirkus

"A tender story that carries the message of embracing one's perceived shortcomings, best to be shared with early elementary students and the very young.” -
School Library Journal

“Sometimes all you need is a little TLC, but that’s easier said than done for a prickly-backed hedgehog and a hard-shelled tortoise. With adorable arms outstretched, the two embark from opposite sides of this innovative flip book as they encounter a parade of alarmed forest animals intent on declining their offers to embrace with one hilarious excuse after another—until Tortoise and Hedgehog meet in the middle, proving that there really is someone out there for everyone.” —
Foreword Reviews

“Such a simple little book, this offers a great amount of pleasure when the two animals find one another ... Perfect for when you need a hug, even if you are a bit prickly or too hard.” —
Waking Brain Cell

"A perfectly charming picture book … a delightful read-aloud selection.” —
All About the Books with Janet Squires

“I love the story and the adorable artwork. An especially good read for anyone who has had trouble finding a friend but potentially eye-opening for those who easily reject others.” —
Susan Uhlig, So Many Good Books

“ A sweet story that reminds readers that there’s always someone out there to hug, no matter how prickly or how tough you may think you’re feeling.” —
Rosemary Kidlatis, Queens Public Library librarian and reviewer at MomReadIt

The Hug is simple and sweet and deeply satisfying.” — Tanya Turkek, Books4YourKids

“Read from one side then flip it and read from the other side. You end up in the same spot and it is all adorable. You see, tortoise and hedgehog both just want a hug and are turned down by all the other animals until they find each other in the center of the book… It’s a creative concept that will keep what is a short picture book in the toddler rotation much longer.” —
WindyCityReader

“A beautiful quiet book, perfect bedtime, that children will want to read again and again.”—
Rebecca Herzog, SlothReads

About the Author

Eoin McLaughlin was born in Ireland, moved to the UK and now lives in London with his wife and their new baby. Along the way he has written several books and is unbearably excited for them to come out. This is his debut picture book, with many more in the pipeline.

Polly Dunbar is one of the most well known illustrators working today. Polly's bestselling book, Penguin, has won numerous awards and was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal. Polly is the illustrator of Shoe Baby, Pat-a-Cake Baby andtwo picture books written by David Almond. Polly lives in the Waveny Valley, Suffolk with her partner and their two boys.

Review:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good book for kids and adults alike.

B. · March 4, 2025

This is a fabulous double-sided book with two stories that share the same ending. Great book to gift, great book for children.

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspires my kid to hug me intensely every time

H.N. · October 17, 2021

I didn't realize this book was really two books in one when I ordered it. One side of the book tells the turtle's story, and the other side of the book tells the hedgehog's story, then they meet in the middle of the book to give each other a hug! My four-year-old son has sensory issues and difficulty expressing his emotions. This book inspires such a joyous response from him every time we read it! I use this story to talk about the emotions of the characters; what do we think this character is feeling. He loves to hug people, so he gets super excited to see the turtle and hedgehog get to find a friend in each other and hug. He always grabs my neck and grits his teeth together to smash his face into mine when we get to the center of the book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet book, with a cute surprise!

S. · March 17, 2021

I bought this book for my 5yo Grandson as a "I love you" Valentine's gift! He enjoyed the story and pictures. He was surprised and fascinated with the synonymous dual stories. I have observed him picking up and looking through the book on various occasions when he is visiting me ...and his Papa. Definitely a keeper! ...the book, and my Grandson!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Such a Hopeful, Beautiful Story!

J.K. · November 1, 2021

I am a teacher who initially purchased this book because I collect everything hedgehog. I read it to classes from 1st-5th grades and each group insisted I read Tortoise’s story as well. We were left with feelings of hope, peace, joy, and love. What a delight this book is!

5.0 out of 5 stars Great idea.

E. · December 9, 2022

Giving children the idea how to be passionate toward others who suffer.

4.0 out of 5 stars Like a Warm Hug

T.S. · May 15, 2019

This picture book is written as a split picture book that flips over with each character telling their side of the story, literally. Two creatures are looking for a hug. Hedgehog wants a hug, but no one will hug them. They can’t figure out why until an owl offers the information that they are too spiky to be hugged by most animals. Tortoise wants a hug too. He asks various animals as well, but they all refuse. The same owl explains to Tortoise that he is too hard for most animals to want to hug him. Then though, Hedgehog and Tortoise meet in the center of the book!Such a simple little book, this offers a great amount of pleasure when the two animals find one another. Even though readers will know that Hedgehog hugs Tortoise, the book is worth flipping over to read it from Tortoise’s point of view too. McLaughlin’s text is fresh and simple, much like Dunbar’s illustrations. One little element that adds to the fun is watching both Tortoise and Hedgehog get more and more grimy from the animals they meet, picking up bits of dirt and fuzz along their journeys. The hug though, the hug at the middle is pure bliss.Perfect for when you need a hug, even if you are a bit prickly or too hard. Appropriate for ages 2-4.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book.

G. · December 31, 2020

This book is excellent but I suggest that you might like to get the original book first. It makes the message so much more meaningful. I love these books and reading then to my grandchildren.

5.0 out of 5 stars Feels Like a Warm Hug!

A.H. · December 7, 2020

This is a beautiful little book with a nice message. It's a Christmas gift for my almost 2 year old grandson. I know he'll love it!

Excellent

P. · June 27, 2020

One of the loveliest books I have seen about hedgehogs. Illustrations are perfect and so nice the other side of the book is the tortoise and how they come together for a hug.

Beautiful.

G.M.A.R. · April 27, 2021

It's beautiful. The story is easy to understand for kids. I read this title to my preschool and they love it.

Such a sweet story

K.C. · February 15, 2025

The simple drawings and the cute storyline!! My 2 yrs old toddler simply adores it. We love "The Kiss" too.

Molto carino

O. · November 6, 2023

Il libricino con la copertina rigida è un po’ piccolo ma le grafiche e le scritte sono ben visibili. Forse solo difficile da maneggiare per un bambino. Comunque stupendo!

Hermoso libro

V. · February 28, 2024

Llegó un día tarde. Llegó en buenas condiciones, muy contenta con este libro lindísimo.

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More from this brand

Similar items from “Emotions & Feelings”