Reviews
'This has all the makings of a future classic. A brand new collection of poems for the very young, with quirky read-aloud rhymes and warm, vivid illustrations that are just perfect for this age group.
Fiona Noble
The Bookseller' The Bookseller
'Rhyme and pictures come together effortlessly in a wonderful collection of poems for the very young, from one of the biggest names around. Vividly capturing a child’s world through toys, games, animals and feelings the language is playful and begs to be read aloud, and Riddell’s illustrations take on a softer hue for younger children. It’s a joy. A perfect introduction to poetry and reading, it’s one for home and the classroom.' The Bookseller
'I predict that many parents are going to know this book by heart very quickly'
'We are huge fans of Michael Rosen and were not disappointed with A Great Big Cuddle. It's a great collection of poems that are fun to read aloud. Robyn (6) loves reading it to her younger sister Sabrina (3). Robyn has declared that it 'is actually amazing'. The illustrations are wonderful and add so much to the words.' Love Reading 4 Kids
'A Great Big Cuddle is a beautiful anthology of poetry which is filled with engaging, energetic and inspiring poems for under 5’s. Gorgeously designed, both the words and the illustrations complement each other perfectly, meaning that it’s an ideal introduction for easily distracted young children into the wonderful world of poetry.' Junior
'The poems fizz off the page with rhythm, energy and laughter, perfectly capturing what it means to be very young. One to treasure.' Angels & Urchins
'Children’s Laureates Chris Riddell and Michael Rosen combine here to create a beautiful collection of ebullient poems for the very young. Michael Rosen’s close and affectionate observation of small children and the way they think is brilliantly captured in poems such as You Can’t See Me and Let Me Do It. There are also plenty of opportunities for the very young to join in with poems such as Tippy-Tappy and The Button Bop which they are guaranteed to want to hear again and again! Chris Riddell’s illustrations created an equally warm-hearted view of the early years and capture the spirit of the poems perfectly.' Love Reading 4 Kids
'Two giants of children’s literature have joined forces to create a magical anthology of poetry for the very young. In a perfect introduction to poetry Rosen starts with a cornucopia of tongue twisters and nonsense rhymes and ends with soothing verses to send even the most energetic child off to sleep. Paired with Riddell’s bold and beautiful illustrations you will have lots of fun reading this out loud. A great present for all occasions.' South Wales Evening Post
'Rosen’s rhythmic words and Riddell’s amazing illustrations will really engage small children. Magic or mayhem, they’ll want to participate with the naughty car, the bendy man and a whole carnival of characters that leap off the pages at us. Words and picture match seamlessly making this a winning combination by two Children’s Laureates. Beg, borrow or steal, this book is worth getting your hands on.' Inis Reading Guide
'This book is great for sharing with your little one – the words just dance off the page and there are lots of different themes for you to talk about and explore. Rosen is a former Children’s Laureate and his use of language is definitely something to be admired and shared. Would highly recommend.' Made for Mums
'This is an exuberant book of repetitions, rhymes and weird creatures: the result of a dream collaboration between two of the biggest names in children’s publishing. Reading it with Callum aged two, I have to admit that I was hilariously challenged by the tongue twisting delights of ‘Tippy-Tappy’ and the ‘Button Bop’ – the latter celebrating the difficulties of doing up a coat correctly. He was enthralled by the large format illustrations of animals and monsters that populate every page.' Absolutely Dulwich
'The poems fizz off the page with rhythm, energy and laughter, perfectly capturing what it means to be very young. One to treasure.' Angels & Urchins
'Riddell’s illustrations offer a warm and tender insight into the toddler’s world while Michael Rosen’s scintillating verse will have listeners of all ages eager to join in. A Great Big Cuddle is a real treasury of lively and entertaining poems which are a real treat to share with a small child.' Ham & High
'A celebration of poetry and childhood in which the poems by Michael Rosen fizz off the page with sound and rhythm, energy and laughter and are complemented by truly beautiful illustrations from current Children’s Laureate, Chris Riddell. Published in a gorgeous, jacketed hardback, this would make a perfect gift for young children and is great for sharing both at home and in the classroom.' Junior News and Mail
'A celebration of poetry and childhood in which the poems by Michael Rosen fizz off the page with sound and rhythm, energy and laughter and are complemented by truly beautiful illustrations from current Children’s Laureate, Chris Riddell. Published in a gorgeous, jacketed hardback, this would make a perfect gift for young children and is great for sharing both at home and in the classroom.' Aldershot News and Mail
'A celebration of poetry and childhood in which the poems by Michael Rosen fizz off the page with sound and rhythm, energy and laughter and are complemented by truly beautiful illustrations from current Children’s Laureate, Chris Riddell. Published in a gorgeous, jacketed hardback, this would make a perfect gift for young children and is great for sharing both at home and in the classroom.' Surrey Advertiser
'This handsome volume of poems for very young children is from the dream combination of both a former, and the current, Children’s Laureate. The poetry is a delight – energetic rhythms, addictive rhymed and playful sounds celebrate the fun and often quirky experiences of being a little one. Each poem is further brought to life by the bold and appealing illustrations of the children and made-up creatures which inhabit these verses. An ideal gift; this is a truly gorgeous collection which is surely destined to become a firm favourite.' Carousel
'A new collection of poems for the very young with exquisite illustrations. A joy to read aloud, this is the perfect introduction to rhymes and poetry.' Little London
'The children’s laureate, the phenomenally skilled illustrator Chris Riddell, has teamed up with a former laureate, Michael Rosen, to create the huge, huggable A Great Big Cuddle. The rhymes are silly and exuberant and celebrate the sounds of words as much as the meaning: perfect for babies and children still learning to speak. The text and pictures make you want to smile and stomp to the rhythm with Riddell’s big, adorable bears.' The Sunday Times
'A perfect book to read aloud to young children is A Great Big Cuddle by two of the biggest names in publishing […] With gorgeous watercolour and pencil illustrations and fun, rhymey words, this great collection of poems will provide hours of entertainment.' Sunday Independent (Dublin)
'Two Children’s Laureates have teamed up to produce this collection of Poems for the Very Young, and it’s vibrant and fun and just bursting with joy. A gorgeous introduction to poetry.' Absolutely Dulwich/South East
'Toddlers are catered for here not merely in the joyous and infectious word play of Rosen’s 35 poems but also in the dramatic pencil and watercolour artwork of Chris Riddell. Ideal for reading aloud and inviting toddler participation, Rosen’s poems open many windows into the beguiling world of early childhood.' The Irish Times
'A Great Big Cuddle is proving to be a great big giggle too.' Books for Keeps
'Children learn so much from listening to us talk, long before they can express themselves in words. Rosen’s funny, insightful rhymes are a perfect way to nurture a love of poetry and language. Easy to read, and lovely to share thanks to Riddell’s sketched artwork.' Time Out