Jez Alborough was a runner-up for the Mother Goose Award in 1985. "Hug" was shortlisted for the Children's Book of the Year Award at the 2001 Nibbies and won the Norfolk Children's Book Award.

"A picture book in the truest sense... the illustrations will prompt discussion, imaginative storytelling - and cuddles." Junior * Beautifully illustrated... A must for the very young. Heartwarming." The Sunday Mirror * "A festival of hugs." The Daily Telegraph * "A book for anyone who has ever felt they needed a hug... The big, bright pictures dance off the page with such exuberance that you can't help but feel happy while you are looking at it." The Guardian

Jez Alborough was runner-up for the Mother Goose Award in 1985. Since then he has written and illustrated numerous titles, including Ice-cream Bear; Hello, Beaky!; Cuddly Dudley; Where's My Teddy?; It's the Bear!; My Friend Bear; Watch Out! Big Bro's Coming! and the novelty books Can You Peck Like a Hen?; Can You Jump Like a Kangaroo?; Washing Line; Hide and Seek; and There's Something at the Letterbox. Jez lives in Surrey.