I'm Going to give you a Bear Hug!

My youngest son turned seven on April 1st. I'm trying to savor every moment of innocence he has left, and I find myself squeezing him a little harder each day as I watch him grow and change. Recently, he told me he has his first loose tooth, and I wanted to cry. I want him to grow up, obviously, but the realization I won't have a "baby" much longer has me emotional. Sniff. Sniff. 

He reminded me on his birthday that he would still be my "Snuggle Bear" even though he is seven. He literally melts my heart into a sappy puddle. 

Recently, I jumped at the chance to review a children's book called,  "I'm going to give you a Bear Hug!" written by Caroline B. Cooney. The title caught my attention, because we do a lot of hugging at our house. And my husband asks our seven year old for "Bugs Hugs." I don't know how it got started, but it stuck.

Our almost eleven year old seems to waiver between wanting to hug and feeling too big for hugs. (Insert eye roll here...and pray for us). He reminds us daily that he is a pre-teen. 

But I digress....

So the box arrived with the book inside. I placed it on the counter, and the colorful and warm cover art caught the attention of my eleven year old. In a few minutes, I heard my "pre-teen" say, "Awwww.....that is so cute." He had read the book himself. 

I picked it up and flipped through the beautifully illustrated pages and couldn't wait to read it myself. My seven year old climbed onto the couch beside me ready to listen. I could see my eleven year old in the background. He was listening, too. 

We read about all different kinds of hugs and "ooed" and "awwed" the whole way through. Once I finished, my seven year old immediately said, "Please read it again." And we did as both boys smiled. 

Can you believe one of the types of hugs was a "Bug Hug?" We all let out even more exaggerated "oohs" and "awws." Even my husband. 

This book is already a family favorite at our house. It's charming, imaginative, and filled with so much love and tenderness. The author captures the essence of a mother's love in a fun and sweet way.  I know we will enjoy reading it over and over again. 

And I will continue to enjoy the "Bugs Hugs" from my seven year old while forcing my eleven year old to cuddle every now and again. 

If you would like a copy, I have one to GIVE AWAY! Comment on this blog post with what kind of hugs you give for a chance to win!