The Big Hug
on Goodreads (68)
What’s inside...
On opposite sides of a quiet street lived two friends who played together daily until they were unexpectedly forced to stay inside due to unforeseen circumstances. The physical distance created a challenging situation, but they learned to express their friendship in new ways. Through smiles, waves, funny faces, phone calls, and songs, they discovered that friendship doesn't diminish with distance. Instead, with time and effort, it grows stronger, overcoming all fears. Inspired by real-world events, The Big Hug is a story of love’s resilience.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they received a big hug?
What are some other ways the characters could show they care about each other?
Why do you think hugs are important in the story?
Can you remember a time when a hug made you feel better?
How can we show kindness to others like the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they think a 'big hug' means and why it might be important.
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the reading more interactive and enjoyable.
Pause after emotional moments in the story to discuss your child's thoughts and feelings.
Relate the story's themes to your child's experiences by asking them about times they've given or received hugs.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene, helping reinforce the story’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The central theme revolves around understanding and sharing the feelings of others, as demonstrated through characters offering comfort to each other.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing when someone is upset and offering a kind gesture or words of comfort in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The importance of expressing feelings
Explanation: The story encourages children to openly express their emotions, showcasing characters discussing their feelings and seeking comfort from each other.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to talk about their feelings with peers and family members, helping them process emotions and build stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Support from community
Explanation: The book highlights the role of a supportive community in providing comfort during tough times, evidenced by friends and family coming together to help each other.
Real-World Application: Children learn to seek help from their own community, be it family or friends, when faced with challenges.
Example Lesson: Resilience through compassion
Explanation: Characters in 'The Big Hug' learn to deal with their problems not through confrontation, but through empathy and understanding, which leads to personal growth and emotional resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to handle personal conflicts or challenges by being compassionate towards others, which can help them navigate their own difficulties more effectively.