One Big Hug by Shirley Hillard Ages 2-6 32 pages Mamoo House March 2005 Hardcover     How big can love be? That is the question behind One Big Hug, an imaginative, witty and heartwarming children’s book by author and artist Shirley Hillard. The answer might surprise you. When a grandmother and her grandson have a contest to see who can love the other in a bigger way, the results are a hilarious attempt at coming up with more outlandish amounts, even as much as fifty-five hippos jumping over a rock, or 49 frogs swinging on a clock. But ultimately, both Granny and little Matthew realize that the love of one big hug is really enough, for it symbolizes all the love in the universe to each of them. Using a contrast of bold and bright and deep, dark hues of color for her whimsical illustrations, Hillard, a nationally recognized artist and writer, truly knows how to fill each page with something wonderful for the eye and for the spirit. Her book is aimed at youngsters between the ages of 2 to 6, but even parents will adore the expressive and cuddly creatures she uses to tell her sweetly simple story with a big, big heart. The author was inspired to write “One Big Hug” based upon a game she once played with her own grandson, and that personal touch adds to the stories warmth and humor. One Big Hug is sure to become a bedtime favorite and will put a smile on the face of any child who truly wants to know how much he or she is loved.     web reviews   Marie D. Jones/2005 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)