Wally the boa constrictor loves to hug, but unfortunately his classmates don't trust him quite enough to permit such embraces. He shares his trouble at home with his hugging family, and his parents counsel him to just be himself. Then one day after show-and-tell, when his classmates see that Wally is very sad because they won't hug him, they relent...

An entertaining and ultimately heartwarming story is paired with bright, colorful illustrations in Wally Wants To Hug, producing a fun little picture-book. I found author Barbara Joosse's story-line somewhat reminiscent of such books as Laurie Isop's How Do You Hug a Porcupine? and Simona Ciraola's Hug Me, which also feature tales of prickly or otherwise hug-challenged creatures who simply want to embrace others. Rebecca Ashdown's artwork is colorful and appealing, ably depicting Wally's vacillating emotional state. Recommended to anyone looking for sweet new stories about friendship and children (or snakes, as the case may be) attempting to share affection with others. ( )