Hug Me
on Goodreads (1,193)
What’s inside...
Ever feel like you need a hug, a really big hug from someone? That's how Felipe the young cactus feels, but his family just isn't the touchy-feely kind. Cactuses can be quite prickly sometimes you know . . . and so can Felipe. But he'll be darned if this one pointy issue will hold him back, so one day Felipe sets off on his own to find a friend and just maybe, that long awaited hug. In her debut picture book, Simona Ciraola creates an endearing tale of friendship, beautifully illustrated with buoyant wit and the perfect story to share.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-3
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Felipe felt when no one would hug him?
Why is it important to show our friends and family that we care about them?
Can you think of a time when a hug made you feel better?
What would you do if someone seemed sad like Felipe?
How can we make sure everyone feels included and loved?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story and relate it to their own experiences. This helps build empathy and understanding.
Discuss the importance of physical affection and comfort in friendships and family relationships, making the conversation relevant to the child’s everyday life.
Ask open-ended questions to foster critical thinking and allow your child to explore the emotional layers of the story.
Acknowledge and validate your child's feelings during the discussion to create a safe space for expression.
Use examples from the book to discuss broader themes like kindness and compassion, helping your child connect the story to real-world principles.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of emotional expression
Explanation: In 'Hug Me', the protagonist, Felipe the cactus, yearns for a hug but struggles due to his prickly exterior. The story demonstrates how expressing one's emotions and desires is essential, even when it seems challenging.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to articulate their feelings and desires more openly with their peers and family, understanding that sharing emotions is a key part of forming meaningful connections.
Example Lesson: Embracing uniqueness
Explanation: Felipe feels different from his family who doesn't value physical expressions of love like hugging. This story highlights the value of embracing and celebrating one's unique traits and desires, despite them being different from the norm within a community or family.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to accept and celebrate their own uniqueness and the differences of others around them, promoting diversity and inclusivity in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of rejection
Explanation: Felipe faces rejection from his family due to his need for physical affection. The narrative shows his journey of coping and eventually finding a place where he is accepted and loved.
Real-World Application: Children learn to cope with and overcome moments of rejection or isolation, finding strength in their own values and eventually, a community where they are appreciated.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: When Felipe meets a balloon who also needs affection, they form a friendship based on mutual understanding and support. This aspect of the story illuminates the importance and impact of supportive friendships.
Real-World Application: It teaches children to seek out and cherish friendships that are supportive and empathetic, enhancing their social skills and emotional well-being.