A Hug For You
What’s inside...
A heartwarming tale of a young boy named Adam who sends a hug to his grandmother through a heartfelt gesture. The story follows his journey and the various people he meets along the way, showing the power of love and connection. Join Adam and his loyal friend and first teddy, Bubby, on the journey of the Virtual Hug. Inspired by true events, the book tells the story of Adam King who introduced the Virtual Hug during the COVID-19 pandemic to stay connected to his teacher and healthcare staff. The virtual hug, which started from the Late Late Toy Show, spreads warmth and connection worldwide, making its way onto mugs, postage stamps, and even to outer space.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the hug in the story make the character feel?
Why do you think hugs are important in showing we care?
Can you think of a time when a hug made you feel better?
What are other ways we can show kindness and care to others?
How would you feel if you shared a hug with someone who was sad or upset?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a warm and calm tone while discussing the questions to create a comfortable environment for open conversation.
Encourage your child to think about personal experiences related to the themes of the book, fostering a deeper connection to the story.
Highlight the emotional aspects of the book, asking your child how they felt during key moments, to enhance empathy and emotional understanding.
Reinforce the significance of affection and support, relating them to everyday actions and interactions your child might encounter.
Acknowledge all responses, validating your child's feelings and opinions to boost their confidence in expressing themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy
Explanation: In 'A Hug For You,' the main character demonstrates empathy by offering comfort through hugs to friends who feel sad or upset.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize emotions in others and respond with acts of kindness and understanding, like hugging or verbal reassurance, to help their peers feel better.
Example Lesson: Expression of love and affection
Explanation: The book showcases different scenarios where hugs are used as a form of expressing love and care among friends and family.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to openly express their affection and build stronger emotional connections with those around them.
Example Lesson: Supporting others during difficult times
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes the significance of supporting others by using simple gestures like a hug to lift someone's spirits during challenging times.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be there for their friends or family members during tough situations, offering physical or emotional support to alleviate distress.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Through its illustrations and storyline, 'A Hug For You' portrays the enriching experiences brought about by friendship and mutual care.
Real-World Application: Kids are taught to cherish and maintain their friendships, understanding that reciprocal emotional support is a cornerstone of healthy relationships.