Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D. (Children's Literature)
The title says it all in this simple book about loving families. A small chimpanzee skips through the colorful jungle scenes exclaiming, "HUG," as he observes young animals being nuzzled affectionately by their parents. His expression is happy in the beginning, bringing smiles to the faces of the elephants, lizards and snakes he passes. Then he seems to be missing something. The mother elephant understands his plaintive plea and offers him a ride. They continue on past loving groups of lions, giraffes and hippopotami. When his "HUG" turns into a sob, all of the animals become concerned. They are relieved when an adult chimpanzee bounds onto the next page calling, "BOBO." He answers, "MOMMY," and all the animals join in the "HUG" chorus. This likeable little chimp and his compassionate friends will bring joy to young children and their parents, who will surely want to share a hug after reading the book. 2000, Candlewick Press, $14.99. Ages 2 to 5.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, November 1, 2000 (Vol. 68, No. 21))
Alborough's latest endeavor is brief on text but big on emotion. A juvenile chimp wanders the jungle searching for--what else?--a hug. In his journey he encounters familiar inhabitants in adult/infant pairs; elephants, snakes, lions, and others embrace in genial expressions of affection as the forlorn chimp ambles past, plaintively calling out, "Hug." Soon a menagerie of concerned animals trail in Bobo's wake as he becomes increasingly distressed. Just when things seem dire, out from the trees swings Bobo's mom, who joyously envelops her offspring in a warm clasp, inspiring a hug-fest among all the congregated animals. Comprised of only three words ("hug," "mommy," and "Bobo"), the spare text leaves plenty of room for Alborough's eloquent illustrations, a true testimony to the adage "a picture's worth a thousand words." The full-color, full-bleed illustrations are rendered in marker pen, allowing Alborough to impart a wealth of expression on the faces and in the body language of the various creatures. Little ones will be tickled pink by the inventive manner in which each creature embraces: chameleons engage in body-to-body hugs while clasping tails; giraffes intertwine their lanky necks; and a young hippo gleefully perches atop its recumbent parent. This warmly inviting tale is bound to inspire many a loving snuggle during storytime. 2000, Candlewick, $14.99. Category: Picture book. Ages 2 to 5. © 2000 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Spring 2001)
Accompanied by an array of friendly animals, a young chimpanzee in need of a hug searches the jungle for his mother. The minimal text--three words repeated in different contexts--isn't very effective, but the lively, expressive illustrations invite participation in the construction of the story. Young listeners will readily sympathize with the little chimp's satisfyingly resolved dilemma. Category: Preschool. 2000, Candlewick, 32pp, $14.99. Ages 2 to 5. Rating: 4: Recommended, with minor flaws.