Simon the Hugger
What’s inside...
Simon the Hugger is a heartwarming tale about a young boy named Simon who loves to give hugs. His hugs bring joy and comfort to everyone he meets. However, when he starts a new school, he encounters challenges as he navigates social boundaries and learns the importance of consent and personal space. Simon the sloth also loves to hug, and he hugs everything from plants to rocks to his friends. When his best friend, Elsa the jaguar, and others around him start saying no to his hugs, he is crushed. He learns that both he and his friends need to want a hug at the same time so they both feel comfortable.
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Simon show kindness to his friends in the story?
Why do you think Simon likes to give hugs?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone feel better, like Simon does with his hugs?
What are other ways we can show people that we care about them?
How did you feel when Simon was able to make his friends smile?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about a time when a simple act of kindness made you feel better.
Ask your child to draw a picture of Simon hugging one of his friends, and discuss the emotions in the scene.
Encourage your child to think of specific examples from their own experiences when discussing the themes of the book, making the conversation more relatable.
Praise your child for thoughtful responses and insights during the discussion to encourage deeper thinking and engagement.
Consider role-playing a scene from the book with your child, using stuffed animals or figurines to make the story come to life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy
Explanation: In 'undefined', Simon the Hugger teaches the significance of understanding others' feelings through his actions and interactions with different characters.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to recognize emotions in others and offering comfort or help, fostering stronger friendships and social connections.
Example Lesson: Value of kindness
Explanation: Throughout the book, Simon’s consistent acts of hugging and kindness towards others highlight the impact of small gestures of goodwill.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be proactive in showing kindness in everyday situations, be it sharing toys or helping a classmate.
Example Lesson: Benefits of physical affection
Explanation: Simon’s hugs are depicted as a way to comfort and connect with others, showcasing the healing power of touch.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of appropriate physical affection like hugs to strengthen bonds with family and friends.
Example Lesson: Inclusivity
Explanation: Simon the Hugger interacts with various characters from different backgrounds, promoting inclusivity.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child's life by encouraging them to embrace diversity and include peers from different cultures and backgrounds in their activities.