Truman Toad and the Quest for the Perfect Hug

STARRED REVIEW! ★ “Kuhl’s visuals are an engrossing mix of William Steig’s and Arnold Lobel’s illustrations, with hijinks and hilarity apparent in the ridiculous assortment of different animals: a squirrel and a butterfly eagerly embracing; a snail and a mouse tentatively eyeing each other. Lavie’s prose is perfect in pitch, tone, and phrasing, as when an overexcited Truman sets off 'with the special grace of a toad.' A warm embrace of both story and image, this lesson in appreciating what you have delights in every way.”

* Kirkus Reviews *

STARRED REVIEW! ★ “A self-obsessed protagonist makes narcissism absolutely ribbiting in this gaily cantankerous picture book… In elegant line work, saturated washes, and marvelously emotive characters that feel like a cross between the work of Arnold Lobel and James Stevenson, Kuhl follows Truman through a parade of discarded snuggles with a menagerie of acquaintances—each hug a comic gem of interspecies awkwardness… For anyone seeking their own perfect something, this irresistibly funny title hints, the answer may lie in embracing imperfection.”

* Publishers Weekly *
"I have decided that for the rest of my life, all I want to do is upload Truman Toad photos onto my blog. I want to make it my life’s work. I want to wallpaper my world in all things Truman Toad... I just love everything about this book SO much!" -- Betsy Bird * A Fuse #8 Production (A School Library Journal blo