Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends. This has been an exciting week! Tuesday was launch day for my own From Here to There. Wednesday was Inauguration Day. And today I get to share a brand new book from one of my dearest critique buddies, Carrie Finison.

DON’T HUG DOUG

Written by Carrie Finison

Illustrated by Daniel Wiseman

Published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers (January 26, 2021)

Ages: 3-7+

Themes: Personal space, respecting others, be true to yourself

Synopsis: From Amazon:

Meet Doug, an ordinary kid who doesn’t like hugs, in this fun and exuberant story which aims to spark discussions about bodily autonomy and consent–from author Carrie Finison and the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of The World Needs More Purple People, Daniel Wiseman.

Doug doesn’t like hugs. He thinks hugs are too squeezy, too squashy, too squooshy, too smooshy. He doesn’t like hello hugs or goodbye hugs, game-winning home run hugs or dropped ice cream cone hugs, and he definitely doesn’t like birthday hugs. He’d much rather give a high five–or a low five, a side five, a double five, or a spinny five. Yup, some people love hugs; other people don’t. So how can you tell if someone likes hugs or not? There’s only one way to find out: Ask! Because everybody gets to decide for themselves whether they want a hug or not.

Why I Love This Book:

• The text is delightful – brimming with heart and humor.
• The illustrations are engaging and entertaining.
• I love how the story empowers kids to stay true to who they are and speak up for themselves…not everyone loves hugs!

Here’s what the reviewers are saying:

* “A cheerful approach to basic consent . . . An excellent update on the golden rule: treat people how they want to be treated.” –Kirkus Reviews, STARRED review

“Simple and effective in showing young viewers how to establish bodily autonomy . . . A great starting point for a conversation about boundaries and how to set them.” –BCCB

RELATED ACTIVITIES

PAPER HUG

This is a really cute craft…for Valentine’s Day (which is coming up in less than a month) or for any day that your child wants to share a little love with a friend or relative. Detailed instructions on this fabulous website: https://happyhomefairy.com/a-paper-hug/

We all need to know we are loved…and the best way to show an author that you love her book is to buy it, review it, tell friends about it, and ask your local library to purchase copies for their collection.

And one more thing…author Carrie Finison is generously offering a copy of DON’T HUG DOUG to one lucky reader. Please leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway – and please share the post on social media for extra tickets in the giveaway hat.

And for more wonderful picture book reviews and activities, please hop over to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Friday linkup.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Thank you for spending your precious time with me.