Hattie Hates Hugs

by Sarah Hovorka, Heather Brockman Lee (Illustrator)

Overview

Hattie loves her family, but she hates hugs!

While at a family reunion, Hattie wants to play horseshoes with Uncle Jake and Aunt Celia, but her boisterous relatives keep hugging her. Hattie's stomach squirms uncomfortably when she's hugged, but dodging and hiding from the open arms isn't working. Great-Grandma is the only relative who understands how Hattie feels. With Great-Grandma's help, Hattie learns to use simple but clear body language with verbal reinforcement to set boundaries around her personal space and to assert her right to consent to physical touch. And she even wins a game of horseshoes!

This picture book will teach huggers and non-huggers alike the importance of respecting people's personal boundaries and provides an example of how to advocate for yourself with confidence.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781506480206
Publisher:	1517 Media
Publication date:	04/05/2022
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	1,063,819
Product dimensions:	8.60(w) x 10.20(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	AD560L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Sarah Hovorka is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and the California Writers Club and is pursuing a professional certificate in creative writing. Sarah lives with her three sons and her husband in California.

Heather Brockman Lee holds a BFA in Fine Art and worked in a variety of industries such as art glass, textile design, and gallery work before focusing full-time on her first love of illustrating stories. She lives in Colorado.

Editorial Reviews

"A recommended addition to picture book collections, especially where stories about feelings and social skills are in demand." —School Library Journal 

"Learning how to advocate for your personal space and respecting the personal space of others are critical skills that all children need to develop. Readers will be cheering and eagerly turning the pages of this beautifully illustrated, diverse, and multigenerational book." —Vivian Kirkfield, author of From Here to There; Making Their Voices Heard; and Sweet Dreams, Sarah

"Children will be encouraged to advocate for themselves when uncomfortable with a situation. It's a great book for huggers and non-huggers alike." —Dow Phumiruk, illustrator of Counting on Katherine and An Equal Shot

"Every child deserves to feel safe and respected in their body while building positive connections with trusted adults. As a clinician who has worked with thousands of children like Hattie, I know how empowering it is for children and families to embrace healthy boundaries and consent." —Adolfo Garcia, Director of Clinical Operations, CALM

"All kids—but especially young girls—should have a copy of this book. It's never too soon to teach our kids that they have the right to say 'No!' to any unwanted touch. Hattie Hates Hugs doesn't just give them permission; it shows them how it's done." —Amy Mucha, author of A Girl's Bill of Rights

From the Publisher

05/01/2022

PreS-Gr 2—Even though Hattie loves her big, exuberant, extended family, she dreads the inevitable embraces she'll have to endure at their family reunion. Fortunately, Hattie's sympathetic great-grandmother senses her discomfort and offers helpful advice on setting boundaries. Hattie learns that there are different ways to express affection and works up the courage to tell her family how she feels. They acknowledge her stance; although she feels realistically awkward at first, she's able to thoroughly enjoy the rest of the reunion. This thoughtful picture book normalizes valid feelings about physical touch and encourages open communication. It's an affirming read for kids who share Hattie's discomfort with hugs and can be used as a gentle reminder for young hug enthusiasts to respect other people's preferences. The text is clear and straightforward, and the expressive oil illustrations are rich with color and texture. Hattie and her family are depicted as multi-racial, with a variety of ages and body types represented. They look like a family you'd want to hug—if you're the hugging type, that is. VERDICT A recommended addition to picture book collections, especially where stories about feelings and social skills are in demand.—Allison Tran

School Library Journal