A Book of Hugs
by Dave Ross
HarperFestival 2001
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- family love
- affection
- kindness
- emotional literacy
- connection
- humor
- comfort
- celebrations
About this book
This playful picture book celebrates all the different ways to give a hug—from porcupine hugs done very carefully to piggyback hugs perfect for a parade. With warm, humorous illustrations by Laura Rader, each page invites young readers to think about the people they love and how they show they care. Simple, bouncy text makes it a sweet read-aloud for families and classrooms. A cozy choice for little ones who enjoy silly examples and big feelings.
Setting: contemporary, everyday family life and community moments
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Book of Hugs right for my child?
Yes — A Book of Hugs is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.8, which is typical for 2nd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include family love, affection, kindness.
How long does it take to read A Book of Hugs?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, A Book of Hugs takes around 5m to finish. The book has 650 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Book of Hugs have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Book of Hugs has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is A Book of Hugs?
A Book of Hugs has an AR reading level of 2.8, which places it at a 2nd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.