Gus the Pug Wants a Hug

Gus the Pug wants a hug-but finding the perfect one isn't as easy as he thought.With his loyal stuffed friend Sally the Seal tucked safely inside his backpack, Gus sets off on a heartwarming adventure in search of the perfect hug. Along the way, he meets all kinds of animals, each offering a hug that's a little too slippery, too prickly, too tiny, too tall... or just not quite right.A frog is too slippery.A hedgehog is too prickly.A bee is too small.A giraffe is too tall.From sleepy koalas to stinky skunks and shy turtles, every encounter leaves Gus wondering if the perfect hug even exists at all.But after a long day of searching, Gus returns home feeling discouraged-only to discover that the best hugs often come from the ones who love us most.Filled with playful repetition, lovable animal friends, and a heartfelt message about love, belonging, and connection, Gus the Pug Wants a Hug is a cozy, engaging read-aloud children will want to hear again and again. Along the way, young readers are gently introduced to important social-emotional themes like patience, persistence, disappointment, boundaries, and the comfort of feeling safe and loved.Perfect for ages 2-8, this charming story is ideal for bedtime, classroom storytime, and meaningful moments shared between children and caregivers. Warm, comforting, and full of heart, Gus the Pug Wants a Hug is a story that will leave little readers smiling-and reaching for a hug of their own.