on Goodreads (70)
What’s inside...
Cuddle is a board book that is part of the 'Happy Healthy Baby' series, showcasing the importance of touch and affection between babies and their loved ones. The book features soothing black-and-white photographs of babies and rhythmic language, depicting the loving connections that come from touch, such as rocking, snuggling, and resting. The 'Happy Healthy Baby' series aims to capture the moments and moods of a baby's day through engaging photographs and whimsical illustrations. The books encourage bonding and provide a warm, loving experience, while also promoting concepts of love, safety, and confidence. The series includes tips for parents and care providers on how to foster a happy, healthy environment for babies.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-2
Length
22 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What does cuddling feel like to you?
Why is it important to show love and comfort to others?
How can we help someone who is feeling sad or scared?
Can you think of a time when a cuddle made you feel better?
Who are some people you like to cuddle with and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, set a cozy atmosphere that might include cuddling with your child to make them feel secure and loved.
Use expressions and voice modulation to reflect the emotions in the book, helping your child connect with the characters’ feelings.
Encourage your child to talk about their own feelings and experiences with cuddling and comfort, relating it to the story.
Discuss the importance of empathy by asking how the characters might feel and how cuddles can be soothing.
After reading, have a cuddling session to practically connect the story to real life, reinforcing the theme of the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Physical Affection
Explanation: The story demonstrates the significance of cuddles and hugs between family members, showcasing how physical touch can comfort and reassure children.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the value of comforting others with a simple hug or cuddle, fostering empathy and warmth in their personal relationships.
Example Lesson: Expression of Love and Care
Explanation: Through the narrative, children learn that expressing love isn't just through words but also through actions like cuddling, which can mean a lot to someone.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to express their affection and care openly, strengthening emotional bonds with family and friends.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Responding to Emotions
Explanation: The book portrays various characters expressing needs for comfort in different situations, encouraging children to notice and respond to emotional cues.
Real-World Application: Children learn to observe and react to the emotional needs of others around them, fostering a sensitive and intuitive approach towards relationships.
Example Lesson: Security and Belonging
Explanation: ‘Cuddle’ illustrates how secure and loved children feel when they receive physical affection, highlighting the role of security in emotional development.
Real-World Application: In everyday life, children who practice and receive affection can experience increased feelings of security and belonging within their family unit and peer groups.
Example Lesson: Routine of Affection
Explanation: The book encourages a routine of cuddling, such as before bedtime, which helps in setting a comforting daily ritual for children.
Real-World Application: Incorporating such routines in daily life can help children develop healthy emotional habits and ensure they feel loved and valued regularly.