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.
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
OMG! How great this book sounds! And I love the heart craft to go with it. I will be adding this book to my Valentine’s Day Choice Board for my school. We are 100% virtual (have been since last March). And a big Congratulations again Vivian!!
LikeLike
Isn’t that the cutest craft? I love it. ❤️ Thanks for entering the giveaway!
LikeLike
I agree on the cuteness of that craft! Already love the book!
LikeLike
I’m so excited to read this book. I think it will be a great conversation starter with my kids.
LikeLike
That’s exactly what I’m hoping for!
LikeLike
Few things are more awkward than parents telling a child to hug you hello or goodbye when the child has only known you a few hours or maybe seen you a few times. Poor kids. Carrie, you’ve found a fun way to remind adults and validate for young readers that children have preferences about hugs and who gives or gets them. Grin. –Kim
LikeLike
YES! I so agree with you – completely awkward and really sends the wrong message to the child. There are plenty of other ways of respectfully greeting an adult without making the child uncomfortable.
LikeLike
Congratulations, Carrie! And thank you, Vivian. In these days of social distancing, those paper hugs can go a long way.
LikeLike
Thanks, Jane! I agree, I love this fun paper hug craft.
LikeLike
Have heard wonderful things about this book! I’m looking forward to adding it to my daughter’s school library!
LikeLike
Thanks so much for stopping by, Melanie, and for adding the book to your school library!
LikeLike
Hygge. Hugs come in many forms.
LikeLike
Yes! So true.
LikeLike
I’ m so excited for this book!
LikeLike
Thanks, Emily! 😊
LikeLike
So much excitement about this book! Carrie was on my blog this Tuesday, where she shared an adorable photo of her as a child. And congratulations to you, Vivian, on FROM HERE TO THERE. 🤗🤗
LikeLike
Thank you for being part of building that excitement, Laura!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Carrie, thank YOU, for sharing your book with the world.
LikeLike
I would love to use this book with my outdoor preschool class! I’m always looking for clever books with heart to share with my class. I’m hooked at the title–absolutely charming.
LikeLike
Thanks, Kristy! Outdoor preschool sounds amazing. My son would have loved that.
LikeLike
This book look so great! Congratulations, Carrie! And thanks also for the paper heart idea, Vivian. I want to make this with my grandson!
LikeLike
Congratulations, Vivian and thank you for posting about Don’t Hug Doug. What a wonderful story.
I love the Valentine craft.
LikeLike
Sounds like a much-needed and FUN book. Thank you, Carrie.
LikeLike
Great book and important subject, I hope to read this to my twins!
LikeLike
As a mostly non-hugger, I like this. There were many family gatherings that I dreaded as I knew there would be required hugs and kisses. That whisper, parent to child, Give Aunt Sarah a hug and kiss hello made me cringe for the child and for me.
LikeLike
I’m a non-hugger most of the time, at least with children who seldom signal they want hugs. So this book is an affirmation of my own feelings as well as of the ones many kids have. Thanks, Carrie, for writing it.
LikeLike
Ooh, I want this one! I have a few DOUGs in my life and this will be a keeper ❤
LikeLike
What a great idea! Can’t wait to read this one!
LikeLike
Love how you tackle an important subject with humor and heart (and a superb title!). Congrats!
LikeLike
in this moment, it’s bittersweet to read about Doug and Hugs…it’s been over a year since I’ve been able to hug my grandchildren due to COVID. but, we live in hope! looking forward to meeting Doug, on his terms, of course!
LikeLike
Thank you for posting about this book. It sounds perfect for my grandson!
LikeLike