How to Hug a Pufferfish
on Goodreads (413)
What’s inside...
A picture book about a group of underwater friends who learn to ask for permission before showing their prickly, pufferfish pal some love. So, you want to hug a pufferfish. Who could blame you? That friendly, gap-toothed grin is hard to resist! Only, when Pufferfish is hugged or touched unexpectedly by their friends, things can get a little…spiky. It’s not that Pufferfish doesn’t ever want hugs—it’s just that they need to have a say in when and how they’re hugged. Luckily, they have great friends who are willing to listen and learn the best ways to show Pufferfish some love and respect their personal space. With bright, commercial art and unique exploration of a timely topic, Ellie Peterson's How to Hug a Pufferfish provides a straightforward and humorous look at consent and body autonomy for kids.
Discussion points
What do you think made the pufferfish feel safe enough to let someone hug them?
How do you show someone you care about them, even if they seem a bit prickly sometimes?
Why is it important to respect others' feelings and personal space?
What are some ways you can be a good friend, like the characters in the book?
How would you feel if you were in the pufferfish’s place and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own feelings and thoughts about friendship and personal boundaries. Use examples from the book to highlight the importance of understanding and compassion in relationships. Ask your child to draw parallels between their experiences and the story to deepen their connection and understanding. Praise their insights and empathy to reinforce positive social skills. Remember, the goal is to make reading a shared, enjoyable, and educational experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Boundaries
Explanation: The story illustrates the importance of respecting personal space through the interactions between the characters and the sensitive pufferfish.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize and respect the personal boundaries of others in school and play settings, fostering healthier and more respectful interactions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: As characters in the book navigate how to show affection to a pufferfish, they demonstrate empathy by understanding and adapting to its unique needs.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that everyone is different and that being sensitive to others' feelings and circumstances is crucial.
Example Lesson: Creative Problem Solving
Explanation: The book showcases the character's efforts to find alternative ways to express affection towards the pufferfish without causing it discomfort, highlighting problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think creatively and find unique solutions to problems they encounter with friends or in school, promoting adaptability and innovation.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship
Explanation: Despite the challenges, the persistent efforts to connect with the pufferfish underline the value and importance of friendship.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to cherish and work on their friendships, even when differences or challenges arise.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Differences
Explanation: The characters learn to accept and love the pufferfish despite its spikes, which metaphorically teaches children to embrace individual differences.
Real-World Application: This lesson is vital for helping children to appreciate diversity in their peers and to foster an inclusive environment wherever they are.