Will Giraffe Laugh?

Written and illustrated by Hilary Leung

Cartwheel Books (Scholastic)

978-1-338-21561-8

38 pp.

Ages 2-5

January 2019

For a sweet concept lesson in how friends and a chuckle can make life better, it's Hilary Leung's newest board book Will Giraffe Laugh?

From Will Giraffe Laugh? by Hilary Leung

When Giraffe wakes up grumpy, his friends are there to help. Bear brings on his juggling skills, with no less than a ball, cherries, a plunger, a toothbrush and strawberry, but that doesn't seem to do the trick. Talented Crocodile performs a puppet show for Giraffe who ends up with a puppet stuck to his nose. Sheep makes an awesome balloon dog which unfortunately deflates and torpedoes into Giraffe's eye. Even Frog's versatile tongue gets out of hand and ties up Giraffe while seeking a fly. Finally Ladybug (remember her from Will Ladybug Hug?) tries for a smile with some flowers that only cause Giraffe to sneeze.

From Will Giraffe Laugh? by Hilary Leung

And then it starts to rain. Now everyone is sad, and Giraffe uses all their tricks to attempt to cheer up his friends. The tricks may not work but some humourous tumbles into a muddy swamp has everyone laughing.

From Will Giraffe Laugh? by Hilary Leung

Concept book–books that teach concepts like numbers to very young children–can be dull and lifeless but Hilary Leung's board books, all based on animal questions, are not. Of course, they use bright colours and bold shapes with simple text but the depth of the messages and the emotions evoked in the eyes and body language of Hilary Leung's characters make them neither boring nor facile. In Will Giraffe Laugh?, there is a message about emotions, particularly grumpiness or sadness. While it may be unreasonable to wipe away a friend's depression–though we tend to try to do so–it may be possible to draw someone out of a bad mood, and Will Giraffe Laugh? teaches that, with a little effort and some wonderful friends, relief is within reach. It may be a little messy and not as planned but, in the end, it's a worthwhile endeavour to help improve another's life, even if only temporarily.

Will Ladybug Hug?

Written and illustrated by Hilary Leung

Cartwheel Books (Scholastic)

978-1-338-21560-1

37 pp.

Ages 2-5

October 2018

Will Ladybug Hug? Well, she sure wants to, especially as she loves to use hugs to say hello and goodbye. And now that she's packing up for her trip, she wants to say goodbye with hugs. But are all Ladybug's friends willing to let her hug them?

In one of a new series of board books, author-illustrator Hilary Leung handles the touchy subject of hugs with sensitivity and humour. His new sextet of friends–Ladybug, Crocodile, Bear, Sheep, Frog, and Giraffe–are as different in morphology as they are in behaviour and it's these differences that help them reflect the differences in all of us.

From Will Ladybug Hug? by Hilary Leung

Ever polite, Ladybug approaches each of her friends for permission to hug them. Crocodile looks reluctant but is happy to allow her a side hug.  

Side hugs are cool.  

Bear gives a warm hug and Frog a jumping hug while Ladybug gives a flying jump hug to Giraffe. Sheep declines a hug and Ladybug accepts this, evident in both her demeanour and her words.  

Sheep does not want to hug and that's okay.  

Even when Ladybug asks about a group hug, all but Sheep agree and Ladybug can still find a way to include her friend with an enthusiastic high five. (Note: Ladybug still asks,"And is Sheep ready for a high five?") Everyone is a little different and that makes their friendships all the more special.

From Will Ladybug Hug? by Hilary Leung

I've loved Hilary Leung's artwork since his Ninja Cowboy Bear series with David Bruins (Kids Can Press, 2009-2011) though it is especially well suited to concept books such as Will Ladybug Hug? With bold shapes that are easily recognizable to young children, though unique in expression and manner, Hilary Leung takes on the idea of consent from a wholly unique while educational direction. Hugs can be heart-warming and non-threatening but they can be unwanted and recognizing this without taking offence demonstrates Ladybug's acceptance of differences amongst others without judgement. She does not insist on giving hugs to those who do not want them. She amends her need for hugs by giving side hugs, high fives and just respecting the needs of others. Oh, that everyone could learn this lesson as amicably as Ladybug extends it.

I think Hilary Leung has a hit series on his hands here. His digital illustrations of a diverse collection of animal friends will speak to children about a variety of important but distinct concepts–consent, compromise and emotions–while delighting them with cheerful illustrations in vivid colours used to tell charming stories appropriate for our youngest readers.

Will Bear Share? (May, 2018)

Will Sheep Sleep? (May, 2018)

Will Ladybug Hug? (October, 2018)

Will Giraffe Laugh? (January, 2019)