Hug This Book!Barney Saltzberg, illustrated by Fred Benaglia

Barney Saltzberg is an author, illustrator, and singer/songwriter who has published over 50 children’s books, including the bestseller Beautiful Oops! Among the accolades for his work are a NAPPA Gold Award, a Teacher’s Choice Award, and a Parents’ Choice Award. Saltzberg lives in Los Angeles.

Fred Benaglia has lived and worked in Paris for over 20 years, currently as artistic director for Bayard Press children’s magazines. He has published numerous picture books and illustrated chapter books in France. This is his first book in English.

As featured in The Sunday Times as 'Children's Book of the Week' and on Celebrate Picture Books

"Whimsical and imaginative celebration of the physical book. Really lovely to read aloud, this comes with echoes of Dr Seuss."—The Bookseller

"Simple rhyme and retro style illustrations lead you through the tactile pages of this book. Think where you might read it, what you might share with it, how it will become your friend. Instill a love of reading."—Angels &Urchins

"Striking... Not just an irresistible celebration of books, but also an imaginative journey. [Hug This Book!] invites playfulness, reading upside down in the mirror, tickling, singing snoring, dancing and eating letters of the alphabet. It encourages making up stories and also involves the adult reader... The effect is to associate adventure, cosines, laughter, companionship and fun with reading, and with learning to read." —The Sunday Times, Culture magazine

"A funny tale that will go down well on Christmas morning, before the real feast begins." —Absolutely Mama

"This is a perfect read-aloud story for inquisitive toddlers and preschool children - one that they will turn to time and again."—West Weekend (The West Australian)

"An energetic, heartfelt, and humorous ode to the printed book and the attachment many of us all feel for our favorites."—East Bay Express

"Saltzberg's tribute to the lovability of a favorite book bounces in perfect rhythm. Benaglia's pen on paper, digitally colored illustrations tell their own whimsical story in delightful and unpredictable ways."—School Library Journal

"Hug This Book! is a feel good story just right for sharing with a kindergarten, preschool or junior primary class. Use this picture book as a springboard for art, a story starter and as an encouragement to read."—ReadPlus

"Hug This Book! won my heart instantly. I adore the idea of a book that invites kids to share the love that books and reading can bring." —The Book Chook

"Told with characteristic humour, Hug This Book! is a story that will have kids giggling and pondering the endless wonders of bookish friendship. After all, if a book is not a true friend, what is?"—Kids' Book

"Hug this Book!... celebrates the printed book and the special relationship young readers have to their favourites... Perfect for reading out loud and sure to be a bedtime favourite!"—KidStyleFile

"[R]emind[s] readers that books are to be revered and loved... Starring a bevy of children with different-colored faces (lime green, red, blue), the retro 1960s-style artwork lends a timeless appeal that harkens back to the Sesame Street and Dr. Seuss days of children's literature."—Noozhawk

"The perfect book to share... Sure to become a new favorite!"—The Mailbox

"Saltzberg's tribute to the lovability of a favorite book bounces in perfect rhythm. Benaglia's pen on paper, digitally colored illustrations tell their own whimsical story in delightful and unpredictable ways."—School Library Journal

"A paean to reading and to many opportunities gave to kids (and adults) to live, play and fun in parallel worlds."—A Casa di Anna blogspot

"For all book lovers, Hug This Book! is a fun, funny romp and will be a welcome, often-asked-for addition to a child's library."—Celebrate Picture Books