Love isn't always simple, but it can be. Jules the kitten proves it.

The main character in Patrick McDonnell's book Hug Time, Jules simply draws up a "Hug To-Do List" and sets out to check off each item. From the North Pole to Africa, the brave feline travels the globe making the world a better place—through hugs!

Hug Time is recommeded for readers, age six and older, and younger kids will enjoy listening to the story. Read a Common Sense Media review of Hug Time.

Cuddle up to read Hug Time by yourself, have your Roots & Shoots group leader read it to you or take turns with your Roots & Shoots group members reading it aloud. Then, do what all Roots & Shoots members do¿take action. Here are some ideas:

Hug your Roots & Shoots group
Follow Jules' lead, and give hugs. You could start a hugging ritual to begin each of your group meetings or create a special hand signal to use when a group member really needs a hug.

Hug long distance
Not everyone is in arm's reach, so you might need to get creative. You could "hug" a Roots & Shoots member in China by sending a kind message through Find a Group or "hug" a soldier in Iraq by writing a thoughtful letter (be sure to include some "O"s at the end!). You might "hug" a refugee in Darfur by fundraising for the International Rescue Committee or even "hug" a chimpanzee in Tanzania by becoming a Chimpanzee Guardian.

Hug the world
Talk to your group members about why hugs are important in the first place. Here are some starter questions:

• Is it because they tell someone something that you can't say in any other way?
• Is it because they promote peace and compassion
• Could hugs really make a difference in the world, or do they just feel good?
• You could even take the conversation onto the Roots & Shoots Discussion Boards.

Hug the author
Hear Patrick McDonnell read from and talk about Hug Time. Check his book tour schedule to see if he's coming to your neighborhood.

Hug another book
If you like Hug Time, check out McDonnell's New York Times bestseller The Gift of Nothing and his animal-hosted MUTTS comic strip.

The Roots & Shoots Book Club is now a regular feature of each "Branch Out" eNewsletter. Look for it in next month's issue!