Hug?
on Goodreads (266)
What’s inside...
After coughing up a hairball, a girl's cat doesn't feel well. So the girl offers to give her cat a hug, which makes the cat - and the girl - feel better. A dog notices and asks for a hug, too. Then some ducks come along asking for hugs. And a skunk... and a bear - and a porcupine! One animal after another comes asking the girl for a hug until she's simply had enough. How much more of this can she take? With spare text and wonderfully expressive illustrations, Charlene Chua has created a playful, funny picture book with an original premise. The story shows how important hugs can be to our happiness --- even the most unlikely of creatures sometimes need one! --- but that doesn't mean they're always welcome. The book is full of laugh-out-loud moments, most of which are found in illustrations that vividly portray the girl's emotions as she grows more worn out with every encounter, encouraging visual literacy. Each spread also shows a hint of the animal that will appear next, building anticipation for what's to come. There are character education connections here to compassion, tolerance and empathy, and a terrific opportunity for discussions about boundaries.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the little girl felt when everyone wanted a hug?
Why is it important to ask someone if they want a hug?
What are some ways we can show kindness without giving a hug?
How would you help a friend who feels overwhelmed like the little girl did?
Can you think of a time when you made a decision like the girl in the book? What was that like?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their emotions by asking how they felt about the book's events.
Discuss the concept of personal space and consent, emphasizing why the girl's feelings are important in the story.
Relate scenarios in the book to real-life situations, asking your child how they would react in similar circumstances.
Use examples from the book to talk about kindness and empathy, asking how they can apply these lessons in their daily interactions.
Praise your child for thoughtful responses and validate their feelings to build their confidence in expressing their opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of asking for consent
Explanation: In 'Hug?', the main character, a cat named Amy, navigates through a series of events where she must decide whether or not to hug others. The story teaches the importance of asking for consent before physical contact.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by understanding the significance of personal boundaries and learning to respect those of others in school or during playdates.
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing emotions
Explanation: Amy the cat experiences a range of emotions as she interacts with different characters. This presentation helps children grasp the concept of emotional self-awareness and regulation.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to identify their own feelings and express them appropriately in various situations, be it at home or in school.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: Throughout the book, Amy encounters different characters, each with their own feelings about receiving hugs. This scenario highlights the role of empathy and the importance of being kind to others' feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can practice empathy by recognizing the emotions of others and responding with kindness, whether it's with siblings, friends, or other family members.
Example Lesson: Social skills development
Explanation: The interactions between Amy and other characters provide a platform for readers to learn about social cues and appropriate responses in social settings.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children improve their interpersonal skills, which are crucial for forming healthy relationships and interacting effectively with peers.
Example Lesson: The joy of sharing affection
Explanation: The positive resolution at the end of the book underscores the joy and mutual comfort that come from sharing affection appropriately.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of sharing warmth and affection with family and friends, which fosters strong, loving relationships.