Review - I'm Going to Give You a Polar Bear Hug

I'm Going to Give You a Polar Bear Hug
by Caroline B. Cooney
illustrated by Tim Warnes
Date: 2020
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley

Let’s get ready to snuggle! This highly engaging sequel to the bestselling and beloved I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug imagines all the cozy, warm hugs little ones love to receive on cold, blustery days.

From acclaimed author and illustrator pair Caroline B. Cooney and Tim Warnes comes I’m Going to Give You a Polar Bear Hug, a delightful picture book with adorable, cuddly illustrations that inspires children to snuggle up and enjoy this playful story overflowing with winter fun.

Imagine who might stomp, sled, and swish through the snow to give a warm hug in these whimsical rhymes and sweet, playful illustrations. Cooney’s story encourages parents and grandparents and their children and grandchildren to giggle and play as they cozy up for their own celebration of the winter season.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I just finished reading Snow Song by A. K. Riley and Dawn Lo, and I'm struck by how similar it is to I'm Going to Give You a Polar Bear Hug in both premise and execution. Both books feature snowy settings with a repeated word that forms the backbone of the verse. I enjoyed I'm Going to Give You a Polar Bear Hug more, though, because the repetition didn't cross the line into annoying territory.

The pictures are adorable and clearly show that this whole story is an imaginative fantasy. (So, don't worry; the little kid isn't actually hugging polar bears!) It's a story about friends and family and the comfort of a good hug on a cold, snowy day.

I'd recommend this to fans of books like Snow Song, as well as to those looking for stories that feature children using their imaginations.

Thank you to NetGalley and Zonderkidz for providing a digital ARC.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: 3/5
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.57 out of 5