Hedgehog was feeling sad and knew a hug would make him feel better, but he couldn't find anyone who would give him a hug. Fox and magpie and squirrel all have their reasons for not being able to hug him. Eventually though hedgehog meets tortoise who does give him a hug and they are as happy as can be.

And if you flip the book, you can then find out all about the animals who wouldn't hug tortoise before he met hedgehog.

The illustrations are charming and the animals' excuses are very amusing. It's just lovely!

There is also a follow up book from this author and illustrator, responding to the situation of the past couple of years when we haven't been able to hug or be hugged. It's called 'While We Can't Hug' and the animals find different ways to show they care, without being able to hug.