Don't Hug the Pug
What’s inside...
A smelly situation contrived to create an easily legible text for budding readers. The story centers around a baby who likes to cuddle with a pug, exploring the potential issues and pleasures that can arise from their interaction.
Age
3-8
Length
38 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Baby
Pug
Discussion points
Why do you think the pug doesn't want to be hugged?
How do the characters show respect for the pug's feelings?
What can you do if someone doesn't want to be hugged?
How did the story make you feel when the pug finally felt comfortable?
What are some other ways we can show kindness without hugging?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to consider how the pug might be feeling in different parts of the story.
Use the story as a starting point to discuss personal boundaries and the importance of respecting others' feelings.
Invite your child to share times when they felt similar to the pug and explore alternative ways of expressing affection.
Highlight the role of patience and understanding in the story, asking your child to think of situations where they can apply these qualities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Boundaries
Explanation: In 'Don't Hug the Pug', children learn about personal space as the pug indicates its discomfort with being hugged too tightly.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing and respecting personal boundaries in real-life interactions with friends and peers.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
Explanation: The story demonstrates how recognizing others' non-verbal cues is crucial to understanding their feelings, promoting empathy towards the pug's discomfort.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be observant and considerate of others' feelings and reactions, nurturing their emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Consent
Explanation: The book emphasizes the importance of asking for permission before physical interactions, conveying the significance of consent.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to seek consent in everyday situations, whether it’s sharing toys or participating in physical activities, fostering respectful behavior.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: The characters in the book work together to make the pug comfortable, showcasing effective problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children understand the value of collaboration and finding solutions together, skills that are applicable in school projects and family activities.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Adaptation
Explanation: As the story progresses, the pug adapts to new forms of affection, teaching children about resilience and adaptability.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children to cope with changes and challenges, encouraging them to find new ways to interact and express affection safely.