Because Brian Hugged His Mother
paper 1-883220-89-0 For those who believe that books for children should teach a lesson, have a moral, be sweetened (even falsely), be relentlessly upbeat and inclusive, this is the book for them.  Accompanied by realistic, brightly hued watercolors of home, school, and street, the story opens when Brian, feeling great, begins his day by giving his mother a big hug and kiss. ``Brian's mother felt loved and appreciated'' and because she feels that way, she makes Brian and his sister, Joanna, their favorite breakfast of waffles, peanut butter, and whipped cream. Joanna, feeling loved and cherished, tells her teacher how he makes learning fun; he feels competent and successful and has the children make a banner for the principal's birthday. Several more incidents join the feel-good chain, involving a bus driver, baker, mechanic, dentist, police officer, chef, and finally back to Brian. The story is repetitive and graceless as it tramples the worthy message of kindness; the author's intentions are not at fault, only their execution. (Picture book. 4-8)  --Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.