Categories: Friendship & Getting Along, Infectious Diseases, Resilience / adaptability

While We Can’t Hug

To comfort and support young children who are missing being able to hug their friends and extended family because of social distancing

Author: Eoin McLaughlin
Illustrator: Polly Dunbar
Publisher: Faber & Faber

Hedgehog and Tortoise were the best of friends.
They wanted to give each other a great, big hug.
But they weren’t allowed to touch.

“Don’t worry,” said Owl. “There are lots of ways to show someone you love them.”

So the two friends wave to each other, blow kisses, sing songs, dance around and write letters. And even though they can’t hug and they can’t touch, they both know that they are loved. Polly Dunbar’s gentle, characterful illustrations are just perfect for this uplifting little picture book, great for sharing with a child who is feeling the need for some close connection.

This video link is provided to help an adult assess the book's suitability for a child's situation before purchasing it. It has been filmed by a third party and hosted on YouTube and is not made by Little Parachutes. More info

The messages we found in this book:

Acknowledgement:

It’s such a natural thing for children to want to hug the people they love, and it can be really hard for them when social distancing means that this instinct must be repressed.

Guidance:

There are many ways to show someone you love them that don’t involve hugs and close physical contact. Hedgehog and tortoise make each other laugh, draw pictures, sing songs, dance…
Making someone laugh is a great way to cheer them up

Hope & Inspiration:

Tortoise and Hedgehog are resilient and adaptable. They come up with new ways to show their affection and keep a connection. They feel secure and loved.