Nobody Hugs a Cactus - by Carter Goodrich (Hardcover)

About the Book

The celebrated artist and lead character designer of such animated films as "Brave" and "Ratatouille" shows that sometimes, even the prickliest people--or the crankiest cacti--need a little love. Full color..

Book Synopsis

Celebrated artist and lead character designer of Brave, Ratatouille, and Despicable Me, Carter Goodrich, shows that sometimes, even the prickliest people--or the crankiest cacti--need a little love.

Hank is the prickliest cactus in the entire world. He sits in a pot in a window that faces the empty desert, which is just how he likes it. So, when all manner of creatures--from tumbleweed to lizard to owl--come to disturb his peace, Hank is annoyed.

He doesn't like noise, he doesn't like rowdiness, and definitely does not like hugs.

But the thing is, no one is offering one. Who would want to hug a plant so mean? Hank is beginning to discover that being alone can be, well, lonely.

So he comes up with a plan to get the one thing he thought he would never need: a hug from a friend.

Review Quotes

"Beautifully painted...in watercolors that capture the golden sands and sky fluctuating between peach-strawberry sunsets and crisp blue afternoons....Goodrich (We Forgot Brock!, 2015) delivers a funny story underscored by themes of friendship and kindness. An excellent storytime pick." - Booklist

"The sweet message of the power of a simple hug is only amplified by Goodrich's soft, muted watercolors, the expressive facial features and body language of the little cactus, and the exaggerated profiles of the jack rabbit, the coyote, and the cowboy as they move across double-page spreads. This title will be an appealing read aloud as well as a perfect title to read when learning about the desert." - School LIbrary Connection

"Dominated by subtle earth tones true to its desert setting, spare yet emotive watercolor art reveals how the cactus, with a small act of kindness, disproves the book's title. In wryly understated words and pictures, Goodrich delivers a tale that is equally charming and droll--and a smart pick for cranky kids." - Publishers Weekly