<b>Best Children's Book of 2014, <i>Brain Pickings</i></b><br /><br />"There is, of course, a deeper allegorical undertone to the tale, beyond the surface interpretation of celebrating one’s inner softness in a culture that encourages a prickly exterior. A subtle undercurrent celebrates the spiritual homecoming of finding one’s tribe, the expansive embrace found in a kinship of souls. The story is also a celebration of free will, reminding us ever so gently that whatever our circumstances, we always have choices — and that our inability to see this is perhaps our gravest self-imposed limitation."<br />—<i>Brain Pickings</i><br /><br />"Unlikely friends come together in "Hug Me," by the Italian author Simona Ciraolo. She uses whimsical, jagged colored-pencil drawings to portray Felipe, a young cactus who just wants someone to wrap his arms around."<br />—<i>The New York Times</i><br /><br />"There’s a coy relationship between the text and artwork in Italian-born author/illustrator Ciraolo’s U.S. debut […] Ciraolo’s softly drawn cartoon cacti radiate charm."<br />—<i>Publisher’s Weekly</i><br /><br />"Ciraola tells her story with wry understatement, allowing her expressive illustrations to carry the narrative. … Though Felipe’s not the first prickly children’s-book character ever to want a hug, he certainly is a charmer."<br />—<i>Kirkus Reviews</i><br /><br />"One of the things I like about this picture book—aside from its adorableness!—is that it’s honest. […] Hug Me is a book about being yourself, getting your needs met, and finding a kindred soul. All in a super cute package. Well done!"<br />—This Picture Book Life<br /><br />"Hug Me is a remarkable book that tells a complex tale in charming drawings and poetic prose. […] It’s the story of the universal need for affection and friendship, even if we are somewhat prickly."<br />—Joy Corcoran<br /><br />Young readers may identify with Felipe’s journey of finding friends in a challenging environment. His struggle is relatable and empathetic, and his delightfully illustrated character is welcoming and warm, despite his prickly exterior.<br />—Portland Book Review<br /><br />"Simply written, the tale offers moments of comedic delight… Ciraolo’s use of coloured pencils and felt tips gives a rawness to the artwork, making it all the more organic and delectable."<br />—The Illustrated Forest