How to Send a Hug, written by Hayley Rocco and illustrated by John Rocco. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2022. $22.99 ages 5 and up

"Luckily, I learned how to send a hug.
Let me show you. 

First, get something to write with. 
This marker is my favorite. 

Then find the 
just-right-perfect
piece of paper. 

Now you can create your hug. 
You can use words or draw pictures
or even do both."

Who doesn't love hugs? The first two years of the pandemic certainly changed many lives in terms of the ability to give hugs. We all need the warm feelings that hugs afford us. For grandparents and teachers, a letter is a magical way of keeping in touch. Teachers love them for the learning that comes from the writing. A grandparent loves them because a letter is a tangible way of communicating with their grandchildren, and it is also a treasure to keep until the grandchildren are older and can read it again. 

Hayley Rocco, in her debut picture book, introduces Artie (and her pet goose) who loves sharing hugs. She gives all kinds of them for many reasons. But her grandma Gertie lives too far from her to share a hug. Phone calls and Zoom calls help, but Artie has found another way to send a hug. She is keen to share that idea with readers. She starts with art supplies and notepaper, something to use for writing, and imagination. 

Once the letter is complete, the hug is ready for the long journey ahead. A number of things must be completed before it is ready to be mailed. The choices are many to send it on its way. The long wait then begins, and goes on and on and on. Patience is necessary, but difficult. Like so many other letters, hers will make its own special journey and will finally be delivered and fully appreciated by the loved ones who receive it. 

"How will you know if your hug arrived safely?"

You will get a hug (and a letter) back. What joy is there in that for Gertie? Endless!

In a letter to readers, Ms. Rocco explains how important letters were for her when she was young. Today is quite different for children; it is much easier and faster to communicate. Lucky we are for that, but the pleasure of writing and receiving mail from those we love should not be dismissed in our rush to get things done. 

Realistic artwork done by Hayley's husband John are created using watercolor and digital color. As he has often done, he creates characters and settings that add context and humor. A hug might take a long trip; in the end, it is worth every bit of wait time it takes to get where it's going.