Loading Penguin Hugs: Heartwarming Comics from Chibird

November 12, 2018
Loading Penguin Hugs: Heartwarming Comics from Chibird Book Cover Loading Penguin Hugs: Heartwarming Comics from Chibird
Jacqueline Chen
Comic
Andrews McMeel Publishing
November 13th, 2018
eARC
88
NetGalley
Jacqueline Chen

Where do you turn to when you need a pick-me-up on a bad day? Loading Penguin Hugs is here to add a big boost of positivity to your life. The book is loaded with Jacqueline Chen’s motivational Chibird comics and illustrations. Every page offers cute and creative perspectives on topics, such as self-esteem, mental health, and getting through tough times.

Loading Penguin Hugs combines adorable illustrations with wholesome messages to cheer you on. Expressions like “You are not a failure. You are still growing!” provide encouragement and promote healthy mindsets. Chen’s chubby penguins, hedgehogs, Chibirds, and friends of all shapes put a smile on anyone’s face, and they’ve already made millions smile on Instagram, Tumblr, and GIPHY.

Loading Penguin Hugs is full of brand-new Chibird comics alongside popular favorites. The book comes with two bonus pages of cute exclusive stickers, and the cover features a special silver foil detail!

This inspiring book is perfect for new and old Chibird fans. Chen and her animal friends are ready to brighten anyone’s day, one comic at a time.

(via Goodreads)

 

I was introduced to Chibird’s comics in an odd way: Through the Giphy keyboard on my phone! Thanks to the introduction of this tool in my life, Chibird’s gifs have been a source of happiness, support, and solace I’ve shared with my friends for years. Motivational Penguin is a regular in my rotation and a favorite on my Giphy keyboard. When I saw a review for this book on The Captain’s blog, Captain’s Quarters, I knew I needed to rush out and acquire a copy immediately. How could I say no to this book?! I couldn’t be happier to finally have an opportunity to better acquaint myself with Jacqueline Chen’s work and mission.

~Click on each image in the post to expand~

Loading Penguin Hugs contains a collection of adorable, colorful art. The artwork style is similar to Sarah’s Scribbles or Pusheen. I might even describe the artwork as chibi; a Japanese style where characters are drawn to be very small and cute (though the literal translation means “short person”). I love the bright, vivid colors and big smiles throughout each comic. I recognize this artwork might not appeal to all audiences, as some might consider this to be too juvenile. Yes, it oozes cuteness and sweetness. To those people who find this off-putting, I say: Soften up. The world is better with chibi art.

My favorite part about the art is that it is a perfect physical representation of what Chen’s themes are throughout the collection. Loading Penguin Hugs is the positive kick you need each day. Each page of the book contains a simple comic with a focused message. Through unique, individual Chibird comics, Chen inspires, motivates, and warms the heart. I appreciate how simple and clear each page is, providing positivity and cuteness through simple pick-me-ups.

To me, this is the perfect coffee table book. It’s the sort of book you can pick up whenever and feel your mood lifted no matter what you end up reading. The back of Loading Penguin Hugs even has an index by motivation/positivity. This can be used, when you are feeling a certain way, to find the appropriate comic to combat the bad brain space you are experiencing.

Reading Loading Penguin Hugs inspired me to learn more about Chibird comics and the personal mission of Jacqueline Chen: Actively seeking to help bring joy and cheer to the world. Chen gets it; her mission is completely embodied in these pages. Self-Care is being thrown around a lot these days and is often misconstrued. Self-care is not about taking a license to be selfish. It’s about acknowledging who you are, allowing yourself to be that person, and attempting to be your best self. This, in turn, shapes the relationships you have for the better. Chen understands this and does what she can to draw this out of us. Self-Care doesn’t have to be a bubble bath or yoga or a nap. I can also be just reading this book.

Apparently, the print version comes with stickers! Yet another reason I need to run out and purchase a copy immediately. Like. Immediately. (Not that I needed another reason) Loading Penguin Hugs is the book you want to open up to a random page on a day you’re feeling down and just… be lifted up.

Happy early birthday, Loading Penguin Hugs! I hope the world is as happy to receive you on your publication date (tomorrow!!!) as I am. And I cannot wait for you to sit on my coffee table. #HolidayGiftHint #TotallySerious

I received a copy of this novel from NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Check out more about Andrews McMeel Publishing, Chibird, and Jacqueline Chen on their respective websites. And huge thank you to The Captain for connecting me with this book!


What do you think?

  • Have you read Loading Penguin Hugs? What are your thoughts?
  • Are you familiar with Chibrid comics, gifs, or other media? Share your experiences and favorite comics!
  • What other books do you know which provide easy access to uplifting moments?

6 Comments

  • Captain's Quarters November 13, 2018 at 6:00 am

    This post made me extraordinarily happy because of how happy it makes ye. I particularly loved “I recognize this artwork might not appeal to all audiences, as some might consider this to be too juvenile. Yes, it oozes cuteness and sweetness. To those people who find this off-putting, I say: Soften up. The world is better with chibi art.” Hardy har har. I be a salty curmudgeon and yet these comics made me feel better when I needed it. So I am a fan. Enjoy the hard copy and the stickers!
    x The Captain

    • Jackie B November 13, 2018 at 9:48 am

      I’m so glad you connected me with this book! It’s adorable, and sometimes we just need a bit of adorable twee in our lives. 🙂 I asked for a hard copy for the holidays. Here’s hoping I get it! Those stickers will be all over my laptop.

      Daw, I don’t think you’re a salty curmudgeon, Captain. Under that rough exterior, you’re just a softy like the rest of us. Don’t worry, I won’t tell.

      • Captain's Quarters November 14, 2018 at 12:24 pm

        Ah I was wondering if ye would use the stickers. I have a box of stickers somewhere in the hold. I should find them and make some child’s day.
        x The Captain

        • Jackie B November 14, 2018 at 5:21 pm

          Sticker booty! How thrilling. I feel like that’s the kind of pirate I should be. Cookies and stickers forever. 😉

  • Grab the Lapels November 13, 2018 at 7:43 pm

    That image of the woman wanting the best day and then being more prepared the next day is cute, but I think it also sends the adult message that bad things out of our controlc don’t happen to us to stop us dead in our tracks, they challenge us to approach the world differently.

    • Jackie B November 16, 2018 at 3:36 pm

      Exactly. There is a shocking level of maturity in many of these comics hidden within adorable art. For example, “drop toxic people” from the self-love hedgehog. How many people have truly thought about who in their lives provides toxicity or what that means to them and their experiences? That’s a bit advanced for many people.

      But you’re right. The umbrella comic is probably my favorite. It’s so real. Life sometimes will just get in your way. Deal with it. XD

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