The Runaway Hug
What’s inside...
"Mommy," said Lucy. "Can I have a hug before I go to bed?" When Mommy jokes that she only has one hug left, Lucy decides she must keep Mommy's last hug safe. As Lucy shares the hug with everyone in her large and loving family, she is always careful to get it back . . . until the canine member of the family refuses to play along! Highly acclaimed, internationally bestselling picture-book creators Nick Bland and Freya Blackwood collaborate for the first time on this charming story, which celebrates the imaginative powers of children and the extraordinary love to be found in ordinary bedtime routines.
Why read this book
- Heartwarming tale exploring love and family bonds.
- Encourages empathy and emotional understanding in children.
- Simple, engaging narrative ideal for early readers.
- Supports development of social and emotional skills.
The Big Picture
- Teaches value of sharing and expressing affection.
- Enhances emotional intelligence and social skills.
- Promotes discussions on kindness and familial support.
What parents love
- Heartwarming story, perfect for bedtime reading.
- Teaches valuable lessons on sharing and love.
- Simple yet captivating narrative for young kids.
- Our family’s favorite, fosters a loving atmosphere.
Diversity & Representation
- Features family of diverse backgrounds and appearances.
- Promotes acceptance through loving, mixed-race family dynamics.
- Encourages empathy and understanding across different cultures.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Lucy feel when she realized her last hug was gone, and what would you do if you were in her situation?
Why do you think hugs are important in Lucy's family?
What does the story tell us about sharing and caring?
How did the characters in the book show love to each other?
Can you think of a time when you shared something special like Lucy did?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a warm and inviting tone when discussing the themes of the book to make your child feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences by asking them about times they have shared something important with family or friends.
Highlight the importance of family and togetherness in the story, and connect it to your own family values and practices.
Encourage your child to think about the emotions of the characters by asking how they would feel in similar situations, fostering empathy and understanding.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers and insights, reinforcing their engagement and interest in reading and discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing
Explanation: In 'The Runaway Hug', the main character, Lucy, shares her last hug with each member of her family, demonstrating the joy and connectivity that comes from sharing.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to share their possessions, time, and affection with siblings and friends, strengthening relationships and fostering a supportive community.
Example Lesson: Understanding the concept of a limited resource
Explanation: Lucy has only one hug left and must make sure it lasts until it gets back to her. This introduces children to the idea that some resources are finite and need to be managed wisely.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by understanding the value of limited items like treats or screen time, and learning to use them responsibly.
Example Lesson: Value of family bonds
Explanation: The story highlights the special relationships within a family as Lucy shares a hug with each family member, showing the unique bond and love they share.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to express love and appreciation for family members, understanding the importance of family support and closeness in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Empathy and emotional expression
Explanation: By giving and receiving hugs, the characters in the book express their emotions openly, helping children understand the importance of showing how they feel.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in encouraging children to express their feelings through physical affection, words, or creative expression, promoting emotional intelligence and communication.