We Love You, Hugless Douglas by David Melling (Hodder Children's Books)

We do indeed! David Melling's latest Hugless Douglas book went 'on tour' recently, and Charlotte got the chance to meet the huge 8ft tall huggable bear on a very hot summer's day. We also got to meet David Melling too, which was a bonus as he's a local and somehow our paths hadn't crossed up till then. 

So about this book then! Hugless Douglas is going on a bear hunt! No not hunting for bears but a bear hunting for his best friend. Along with sidekick Flossie the Sheep, Douglas hunts high and low, far and wide, and everyone else in the land seems to have a best friend - except Douglas. 

Slightly sad and dejected, Douglas doesn't realise that sometimes the very thing you're looking for is right under your nose (Yes mum I remember you telling me this enough times, and yes you were usually right!)

I put Charlotte on the spot with this one and asked her if she remembered meeting Douglas. "Silly Daddy!" she said "Of course I remember meeting Douglas!" I'd always assumed that she found Hugless a bit less endearing than David Melling's other books (she absolutely LOVES The Scallywags) but I think Hugless Douglas is the sort of children's character that endures, can stand up to starring in many, many stories, and is always regarded fondly. There's a lot to be said for children's characters who are huge, perhaps a little bit clumsy at times, but utterly and brilliantly fantastic at giving hugs and there's really none better than Hugless Douglas. 

Charlotte's best bit: All the different ways of hugging! Hooray!

Daddy's favourite bit: As ever, I'm green with envy at David Melling's ability to produce the most beautiful linework in his illustrations - and of course some of the best (and funniest) animal characters you'll find in children's books today. 

(Kindly sent to us for review by Hodder Children's Books)