A self-important but good-hearted toad, with an ample amount of self-love, discovers his love for others in this entertaining, award-winning picture book originally published in Germany.
Truman Toad lives in a cozy little apartment, all by himself. In fact, he loves his own company so much that he keeps a giant mirror nearby so that he’s never too far from his reflection. After all, who better than himself to spend all his time with!
One day, Truman wakes up from the most wonderful dream about the most wonderful hug—and he’s determined to make it come true. The quest for the perfect hug has begun... but nothing seems quite perfect enough to Truman: the hugs he gets from his animal friends are too long or too slippery, too soft or too hard, too wild or too gentle. Truman is discouraged. Will he ever find the perfect hug?
Charming, quirky, filled with heart and wholly one of a kind, Oren Lavie’s story, coupled with Anke Kuhl’s delightfully spirited illustrations, will make readers of all ages laugh—and make them think about letting go, letting others in, and the power of hugs!
Praise
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
"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!"
—A Fuse #8 Production (A School Library Journal blog), Betsy Bird
