The Littlest Things Give the Loveliest Hugs

In bright, layered art that calls to mind Eric Carle’s collages, Frost depicts animals of all varieties expressing their affection through embrace. Baby mice and their parents cuddle in a lazy wheat field: “When we cozy up in our sweet comfy nest,/ you’re so squishy-squashy.../ You’re simply the best!” A mother duck urges her ducklings to join her out of the pond: “So come here this instant,/ my duckling, my dear./ Just waddle up to me,/ I need you right here.” At the end, a child appears comfortable and secure sleeping on his mother’s lap; outside the window, readers can see the silhouettes of an owlet and owl on a tree branch, the golden moon hanging low. The buoyant verse and lively artwork offer particularly strong read-aloud appeal. Ages 3–6. (Dec.)