David L. Rice has more than one children’s book to his credit, but my favorite is Because Brian Hugged His Mother, illustrated by K.D. Thompson. In this cheerful upbeat look at a child’s day, an important hug affects everyone Brian meets and they pass on the happiness, giving a valuable lesson for young and old.

— Book Plus – Linda Hutton (April 2005)

It all began when Brian hugged his mother. The feelings of warmth and appreciation that this gesture of love gave her set in motion a whole series of acts of kindness and sensitivity, each person in the ‘chain’ being made feel special in some way. In fact they feel so good that they in turn give someone else the gift of kindness by being generous with their time, their patience, their praise, and much more. People and even animals of all kinds are touched by the unselfish and simple acts of goodwill. Because Brian Hugged his Mother is a refreshing book in these days of violence and worry, and it reminds us, with its simple message, that good people can be found all round us if we just look hard enough.

— Through the Looking Glass (www.lookingglassreview.com) – (May 2004)

What happens to a hug after you give it? Brian doesn’t even think about it when he hugs his mom in the morning and tells her “You’re the best mom in the whole world!” But his simple act starts a chain of reactions that brings happiness and satisfaction to a vast circle of people he will never even know about. Rice’s loving and gentle lesson in the art of random acts of kindness has just the right tone to appeal to younger children, enhanced by the brightly hued, watercolor-soft artwork.

— Patricia Monico – NAPRA ReView

Those two adages “A little bit goes a long way” and “Kindness is contagious” are truisms in this book. A simple act of kindness may go further than you think; certainly further than Brian realizes. It all starts out one morning when Brian wakes up and gives his mother a hug. Brian’s hug acts like an object in motion. As the events unfold throughout the day, many unselfish acts are performed by people and even animals. One kind deed leads to another. Rice expresses his belief that kindness can bring happiness and make one’s day a bit brighter.

— Children’s Literature – Bonnie Bruneau

Excellent book to share with the family! Nice illustrations. I feel good just reading the story; it’s contagious, those acts of kindness!

— Benjamin Franklin – Judges’ comments

What a wonderful story to show children what simple acts of kindness is how it affects people. Nice job!

— Benjamin Franklin – Judges’ comments

Don’t we all need a warm hug now and then? Isn’t it nice to pass it on?

This is a story of where a hug goes when we pass it on. It is the perfect choice for story time snuggling just before bed.

Sweet dreams!

— Barjon’s Newsletter (November 2009)

Brian wakes up in the morning and hugs his mother. This simple act of kindness sets off a chain reaction as each person who is on the receiving end passes on some of that kindness to the next person.

Max’s comments:
“The boy in this book gives his mom hugs and kisses just like I do. Everybody in this book is nice. They do nice things for each other and that makes everybody happy. Everyone has good manners in this book. I liked when the lady let her dog watch TV. She even set him up a bunch of pillows and everything.”

Parent’s comments:
Because Brian Hugged His Mother is definitely one of those warm, fuzzy feel-good books that show how kindness is contagious. It is a great book to show children the importance of being kind and caring and the effect that these actions have on others.

— Kids Reader Views – Max Aures (age 4.5) and Mom (March 2011)

Dawn Publications specializes in feel-good books for young people. This one starts with a poem: “Be kind in all you say and do / With just one kindness a chain will start / To grow and glow from heart to heart.!” . . . For any boy or girl of the age of Brian (perhaps six) who “woke up feeling great!”, this is a charming story with lovely illustrations and a sweet message. . . The lesson is delightfully pressed home, and repetition may endear the story to readers, enlarging the children’s vocabulary and opening their eyes to the wonder of their every-day life.

— Independent Publisher

Sometimes the little things that people do are what really make the difference. That’s what “Because Brian Hugged His Mother” is all about. Often, kids think because they are kids, they can’t make a difference. David Rice’s picture book shows them that no matter how small they are, or how small their acts of kindness are, they can cause good things to happen. If you like to hug and show your little ones that they are important, check out “Because Brian Hugged His Mother” and start a chain reaction of kindness of your own.

— Katie McAllaster Weaver – Fish Eggs for the Soul