Hugless Douglas

by David Melling

Interest age: 2 to 6
Reading age: 7+

Published by Hodder Children’s

About this book

Douglas, a young brown bear, wakes up one spring needing a big hug. A large round rock is too heavy and a tall tree doesn't feel right, especially the splinters.

A comfy-looking bush gets the Douglas squeeze, but the creatures living there hurry it away. A flock of sheep kick and squirm and wriggle off.

Douglas annoys an owl and makes a rabbit furious by wiping his miserable nose on its fluffy end. Poor Douglas. The rabbit thoughtfully leads Douglas home to his cave where his Mum is waking up, ready to give him the warmest, cuddliest hug ever.

Entertaining illustrations and a message that the best hugs are from those who love you make this the perfect bedtime book.

About the author

David Melling was born in Oxford and still lives near the city. His father was a sculptor and Melling inherited his artistic leanings. He previously worked as a photographer and as an animation artist for films including the much-loved Father Christmas, based on the book by Raymond Briggs.

One of Melling's most popular picture books, The Tale of Jack Frost, was animated and shown on BBC1 on Christmas Day with a voiceover by Hugh Laurie. It was shortlisted for the Pulcinella Award 2005 for the Best TV Movie category.

David is married and lives with his wife and two children.

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