HUGS ARE (NOT) FOR EVERYBODY

A child learns a lesson in bodily autonomy at a costume party.

Several friends gather to celebrate a birthday. A child dressed as a magician offers the others hugs. Some happily accept, but three kids make it clear that they prefer waving, high-fiving, or exchanging secret handshakes instead. The would-be hugger makes mistakes along the way—initially assuming some children will welcome an embrace—but is given multiple opportunities to learn amid this loving, supportive environment. Together, the kids decide on the best way to end their secret handshake—with birthday cake, of course—and the book concludes with a sound message of consent: “All we have to do is ask.” Important concepts are presented in simple, exuberant language, with just a few words per page, making this a strong read-aloud option for young children. The full-color images are dominated by pink, teal, and gold, setting a delightfully festive air; a cat, a rabbit, and a mouse appear on most pages—fun easter eggs that kids will enjoy pointing out. Fans of fantasy creatures will appreciate the costumes, which include a fairy, a mermaid, a unicorn, and a dragon. The children are diverse in skin tone and hair texture; one youngster uses a wheelchair.

A sweet, simple introduction to consent.