The Giant Hug
What’s inside...
How do you give your granny a hug when she lives far away? Send it through the mail, of course! Owens hug travels across the country in a series of hilarious, sometimes awkward, always heartfelt embraces between animals of different shapes and sizes. Valeri Gorbachevs adorable artwork pairs beautifully with Sandra Hornings charming text, and makes for a fun, funny, and educational read-aloud. An unexpected twist at the end will delight readers and have kids asking for this book again and again.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Owen felt when he was sending his hug around the world?
What does this story teach us about showing love and affection to others?
Can you think of a creative way to send a hug to someone far away?
Why is it important to show kindness, like Owen did in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive tones and gestures to mimic the hug’s journey, making the reading experience more vivid and engaging.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of their own giant hug and describe whom they would send it to.
Discuss personal experiences where a simple act of kindness made a big difference, drawing parallels to Owen’s story.
After reading, suggest your child send a 'hug' through a drawing or letter to a loved one far away, reinforcing the book’s theme of connection.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness and thoughtfulness
Explanation: In 'The Giant Hug', the protagonist, Owen, sends a hug through the mail to his grandmother, demonstrating affection and thoughtfulness towards loved ones.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express their feelings and show care through simple, heartfelt gestures, strengthening their emotional intelligence and relationships.
Example Lesson: Understanding the postal service process
Explanation: As the hug passes from one postal worker to another, readers learn about the journey of a mail item from sender to recipient.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand and appreciate the roles and responsibilities of community helpers like postal workers, enhancing their community awareness.
Example Lesson: The ripple effect of kindness
Explanation: The hug Owen sends not only makes his grandmother happy but also spreads warmth and smiles among the postal workers who pass it along.
Real-World Application: This can teach children how one kind act can influence many others, encouraging them to contribute positively to their own communities.