Description: Koala doesn't always like to hug, so she showcases the many other ways of saying hello and goodbye in this rhyming board book.
Brief description: Christianne Jones grew up in a small town with three sisters, no cable, and parents who were teachers. After college, Christianne became an editor at a children's book company and began writing. She has found her niche in the picture book genre and has written many popular titles, including Donut Worry, Miles McHale, Tattletale, Harrison P. Spader, Personal Space Invader, and Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker. Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker won a 2013 Gelett Burgess Award and was a Midwest Book Award finalist. Christianne lives in Mankato, Minnesota, with her husband and three daughters.
Review Quotes: "Hello Genius" books don't break down quadratic formulas but instead highlight emotional intelligence with adorable animals. Koala Hugs enfolds readers in a koala family, giving alternative suggestions for kids when confronted with people who want hugs. A child might be too shy or scared to hug someone, or just might not be in the mood. Each page uses bold backgrounds and quick solutions to create a safe world. Otter Feels Overwhelmed uses rhymes and the tiniest little sweat droplets to convey the panic of poor little Otter. It demonstrates how stress spirals until it's wholly unmanageable. Father Otter gives tactics for working through uncomfortable feelings. Both Koala and Otter manage to make tricky situations seem easily understandable. If something can be understood, it can be dealt with. VERDICT These are pitch-perfect picture books to help kids and families handle tougher conversations.-- "School Library Journal"