Hogs Hate Hugs by Tiziana Bendall-Brunello and John Bendall-Brunello (Lion Hudson)

You really do find the nicest people working in children's books. Take Hattie at Lion Hudson, who got in touch with us to ask if we'd like to review some of Lion Hudson's upcoming titles. "Of course we would!" we replied, because they publish some truly gorgeous books.

The books arrived safe and well with a wonderful accompanying letter from Hattie, reintroducing herself to Charlotte and telling her a story about what it's like to work in children's publishing (I think Charlotte was a bit worried that Hattie and her colleagues might catch cold from being sent out into the rain to think about the consequences of spilling ink all over vital manuscripts!) - A lovely thing, and like all Hattie's letters, we stuck it in Charlotte's adventure book where all our treasured bits and bobs are kept. Hattie you're an absolute hero!

So to the books - Well, to "Hogs Hate Hugs" by Tiziana and John Bendall-Brunello. A book that introduces us to a bristly little hog who is royally fed up with A) being extremely cute and B) being squeezed, hugged, cuddled and swaddled by everyone he meets. He can barely struggle out of bed in the morning before mum has zoomed in for a hug. Dad joins in too, as do all the other animals Little Hog meets. But enough is enough!

Little Hog designs a big bold poster proclaiming that "Hogs Hate Hugs!" and hugs are banned! But will he stick to his guns? Even when a mysterious monster suddenly appears in the woods that Little Hog is exploring. Sometimes there really is nothing for it than to curl up safe in your mum or dad's arms.

Little hog is a fun character, and we love the story and illustrations very much indeed. Make room for a hug (and a hog) in your bookshelf now!

Charlotte's best bit: Hog's reaction to the big scary monster in the woods! EEK!

Daddy's Favourite bit: Everyone needs a hug now and again, even a bristly hog (or a bristly daddy first thing in the morning!)

(Kindly sent to us for review by the utterly, utterly awesome Hattie at Lion Hudson)