Hugs and Kisses for the Grouchy Ladybug: A Joyful Eric Carle Story About Love and Friendship for Kids

by Eric Carle

Los besos y los abrazos son mágicos. Consuelan, arropan, alegran, conmueven, hacen sonreír y son capaces de cambiarle el mal humor a cualquiera, incluso a la famosa Mariquita Gruñona. Vuelve Eric Carle, el prolífico ilustrador, autor y genio. Carle no deja de sorprendernos con sus álbumes llenos de color, de insectos y animales y de posibilidades de juego que dejan a los niños perdidamente enamorados. Y más aún en este cuento que destaca la importancia emocional de las demostraciones de afecto. Besos y abrazos son dos gestos amorosos que todos los niños necesitan para enfrentar cada día con entusiasmo y para poder sortear cada obstáculo que les presenta la vida con confianza, seguridad y optimismo. Esta breve historia nos asegura que los besos y abrazos pueden hasta con los más enfadados y quejosos, los propensos a las rabietas, los rezongones, los que se levantan con el corazón del revés o bufan frustrados frente a un límite con el que no contaban. Es decir, todo aquello que le sucede a la Mariquita Gruñona. Un nuevo libro, del creador de conocidos personajes como la entrañable Pequeña Oruga Glotona, que resulta en sí mismo un mimo, una caricia y una invitación a convertirnos en mejores personas, capaces de construir un mundo más dulce y amable.

Genres: Picture Books, Storytime, Childrens, Animals, Fiction, Love, Holiday

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Eric Carle was an American author, designer and illustrator of children's books. His picture book The Very Hungry Caterpillar, first published in 1969, has been translated into more than 66 languages and sold more than 50 million copies. Carle's career as an illustrator and children's book author accelerated after he collaborated on Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?. Carle illustrated more than 70 books, most of which he also wrote, and more than 145 million copies of his books have been sold around the world.
In 2003, the American Library Association awarded Carle the biennial Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal (now called the Children's Literature Legacy Award), a prize for writers or illustrators of children's books published in the U.S. who have made lasting contributions to the field. Carle was also a U.S. nominee for the biennial, international Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2010.

Reviews

[Frankie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

My sister and I had fun acting this book out!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love! "So remember, just like you...even a grouchy ladybug...needs hugs and kisses too!" Amen!

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This very short story highlights verbs, with Carle's signature collages.

[Jana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eric Carle's famous collage illustrations have been brought together in a new way to celebrate everyone's need for belonging and relationship. Just in time for Valentine's Day, this lovely picture book helps young readers remember that their friendship should include everyone, including those who may appear not to need it or appreciate it. But it may be a good idea to point out to children that while everyone needs friendship and relationship, sometimes not everyone is comfortable with affectionate touch. One should always ask permission before trying to hug and kiss people.

[Ina · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Eric Carle's Beautiful tissue paper illustrations of animals and very simple text this story is about all the things hugs and kisses can do - they make one want to smile, clap, jump for joy, and make you feel warm and fuzzy....even when you are a grouchy ladybug. This book is small in size but the awesome illustrations pack a big punch and this is a great addition to any story time especially around Valentine's Day or if the theme is animals.

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3+

Nothing truly exceptional, but still a good storytime read for Valentine's. My older kids might find it a little simpler, but for the toddler crowd, it's a good read for all the ways hugs and kisses make you less grouchy. It's a good interactive one too - plenty of chances to name animals (and their sounds too, because that's always fun) and to act out the reactions to the hugs and kisses (smile, strut your stuff, etc).

[Lacy | literary_lacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an okay book, but there wasn’t much special about it. It helps to teach children that everyone needs a hug from time to time, and it can take someone from grouchy to happy.

The sentences were short, and the illustrations were pretty cute, but this book just feel a little flat for us.

My kids sat still through the reading of it, but they weren’t jumping up and down, asking me to read it again.

[Nicola · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very simple. Nice concept but didn't interest Miss 4 very much.

Miss 4 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Assuming that kids are young enough, hugs and kisses can often ungrouch them.

For adults not so safe to do, particularly if they're carrying semi-automatic weapons.

This story has charm and even happy ending, along with the usual magnificent artwork, Eric Carle-style.

FIVE MORE STARS to the author and illustrator!

[GIDDINGS LIBRARY · Rating 4 out of 5]

This simple story featuring the Grouchy Ladybug, a beloved Eric Carle character, is perfect for Valentines Day. It's short enough to be read aloud to even the youngest children, and can also be interactive for school-age children. Find it at the Giddings Public Library under E CAR. - Miss Taylor

[Samantha Sealock · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hugs and Kisses for the Grouchy Ladybug" by Eric Carle is a simple story about loving your neighbors. This story would be fun to do in a preschool classroom and have them act out the actions that are said in the book. Cute story and great message for young kids.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very simple story (there are probably board book editions of this) of how animals might express their joy after receiving hugs and kisses (i.e. the peacock struts, the seal claps, the giraffe stands tall). While not holiday-specific, it works well for Valentine's.

[Jami · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can relate deeply to the grouchy ladybug

[Carolyn Jeziorski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a great read aloud—kids could act out the animals in the story. I’m a fan of the grouchy ladybug, but she’s more a secondary character here just passing along in the pages.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Familiar characters with short words will be appealing to those who love this author’s work.

[Bonnie Arriola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awe!

[Peacegal · Rating 2 out of 5]

No real story here, but the colorful, action-filled illustrations will catch youngsters' eyes.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

what can a hug and a kiss make you do?
and feel?

[Kimberly Sabatini · Rating 5 out of 5]

So simple and yet so perfect--as always. <3

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this today at work to Kindergartners for outreach and it was very cute. I had the kids guess what animal they were seeing on each page and it was a nice way to make the story interactive.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic Carle illustrations....very cute book. Simple.

[Christine Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Valentine's Day Story Time

Simple story about how hugs and kisses can cheer up anybody. While very short this book is great for letting small children identify the different animals presented.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the reasons why hugs and kisses are important. Sweet and simple. Baby and Up but I think todders will delight.

[Shari (Shira) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recycling of Carle illustrations and characters. Children will enjoy naming the book featuring the character.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me say, "Awwww." And I rarely do that. This is a quick, short read that would be fun for, but not solely relegated to, Valentine's Day.

[kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

fluff just meant to sell more books

[Boom! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kids had fun acting out the movements from the pages.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and sweet book by Eric Carle, featuring many of his familiar animals. It's all about love, but can be read any time of the year; it's not just a Valentines book.

[Lillian Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even grouchy ladybugs need hugs

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quaint story of how love and affection can win over the grouchiness, and make the world a lot better for everyone.