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About The Book

Who have YOU hugged today? Open your arms to this delightfully tender, goofy, and sweet tale.

Watch out world, here he comes! The Hug Machine!

Whether you are big, or small, or square, or long, or spikey, or soft, no one can resist his unbelievable hugs! HUG ACCOMPLISHED!

This endearing story encourages a warm, caring, and buoyantly affectionate approach to life. Everyone deserves a hug—and this book!

About The Author

Photograph courtesy of the author

Scott Campbell’s paintings have appeared in numerous shows and publications around the world. He has created award-winning comics, such as “Igloo Head and Tree Head,” which appeared in the Flight anthology, and is the illustrator of Zombie in Love and Zombie in Love 2 + 1 by Kelly DiPucchio; East Dragon, West Dragon by Robyn Eversole; and If Dogs Run Free by Bob Dylan. He is the author and illustrator of Hug Machine. Scott lives in New York City. Visit him at PyramidCar.com.

About The Illustrator

Photograph courtesy of the author

Scott Campbell’s paintings have appeared in numerous shows and publications around the world. He has created award-winning comics, such as “Igloo Head and Tree Head,” which appeared in the Flight anthology, and is the illustrator of Zombie in Love and Zombie in Love 2 + 1 by Kelly DiPucchio; East Dragon, West Dragon by Robyn Eversole; and If Dogs Run Free by Bob Dylan. He is the author and illustrator of Hug Machine. Scott lives in New York City. Visit him at PyramidCar.com.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (October 1, 2014)
  • Length: 40 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781442459359
  • Ages: 4 - 8

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Raves and Reviews

* "A feel-good ride, full of droll artistic asides and an abundance of caring.... In his first outing as an author, Campbell shines."

– Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Campbell’s simply outlined watercolors exude warmth, emotion, and sly humor, from the deadpan expressions of several surprised recipients of the Hug Machine’s hugs to his own serenely closed eyes during each hug, which make it clear that he’s giving each hug his utmost."

– Publishers Weekly

"The noodle-armed little boy who loves hugs is irrepressibly charming....delightfully rendered, and the hug machine’s enthusiasm for friendliness is hard not to love."

– Booklist

"Absolutely irresistable."

– School Library Journal

*"Whether for bedtime or storytime, affectionate kids and adults will thoroughly embrace (ahem) this fuzzy and goofy paean to cuddling."

– The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, STARRED REVIEW

"a non-sappy, warm-hearted ending to a book that feels just like a big ol’ hug"

– The Horn Book Magazine, November/December 2014

Awards and Honors

  • Texas 2x2 Reading List
  • Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year Selection Title
  • MSTA Reading Circle List

Resources and Downloads

High Resolution Images

More books from this author: Scott Campbell