The titular critter—a plump, vaguely draconic monster with jester-hat horns and a very few pointy teeth in its smiling mouth—opens with its “Hugglewug Song,” introduces readers to its family and friends and, like a relentlessly cheery drill-sergeant, leads them through a variety of exercises from counting to I Spy. “My Hugglewug Lullaby” promises release, but no—turn the page and, “Let’s Sing Again!” The amount of visual stimulation on every page will overwhelm board-book–age children and their grown-ups alike; readers’ eyes will cross trying to keep track of the tiny, spinning figures. That’s not even mentioning the stomach-churning sweetness that pervades the whole: “Lola is so wuggly! I’m so snuggly! Baby is so Hugglewuggly!” Teletubbies on Red Bull. (2-3)
