Bird Hugs by Ged Adamson (review)

When his pals start taking to the skies, Bernard the bird discovers that his too-long wings make flight impossible. Attempts to lift off and/or shorten his wings are all for naught, leaving our avian friend down in the dumps while his friends soar up high. One night, however, he hears a crying orangutan and offers the larger creature a hug—an easy feat with his lengthy wings. The next morning, animals are lined up for some snuggles from Bernard, and the flightless bird realizes he can find fulfillment right where he is. Bits of sly humor refresh the story's predictability, particularly as Bernard comes to play the role not just of comforter but also therapist: "It can be lonely at the top of the food chain," says a sad lion as Bernard listens patiently. Adamson's watercolor and pencil art moves from vibrant full spreads to vignette-styled pages, lending both movement and focus, and wide-eyed, lavender-hued Bernard cuts an appealingly quirky figure with his wiggly wings. Pair this with Campbell's Hug Machine (BCCB 9/14) for a celebration of cuddles and snuggles.