I immediately got excited when I saw a children's book about a quokka, one of the most delightful animals in existence, and it did not disappoint. Daniel Errico's book focuses on teaching children about the concept of consent when it comes to hugs - a lesson that is super important. The rhymes flow easily and my toddler loves to say "No" enthusiastically, so she was very excited to join in for parts of the book. The illustrations are adorable, I love all the color use (and so did my daughter). It is easy to pick up on the body language of the characters, and the different ways it expresses how it doesn't (or does) want a hug. There is a note to caregivers at the end that goes further in-depth on why it is so important to teach children this, helping them learn when and how to say no or yes, and how every child is different. It is well written and provides helpful examples and conversation prompts.

My daughter loved this book, and asked me to read it several times. I plan on purchasing this book once it becomes available. I think it fits well for children, holding their interest and teaching them about boundaries. I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

A great picture book introduction about consent. Children often learn from the stories that they are read. This is a simple text that the children can relate to.

I really love the intention behind this book, as the goal is to teach children about consent. I'm not sure that the message about consent is really going to resonate though, as it seemed to me more to be about a story about an animal that doesn't want hugs -- and I'm a grown up. I think the message is a little too subtle. The art is delightful, though, and children might love learning about a new animal!

Thanks to Netgalley and the American psychological association for the ARC of this!

Very simple and cute introduction to bodily autonomy and consent for the pre-school crowd. My 5-year old really enjoyed it and was ready to supply the answer to “So, don’t hug the Quokka. That is, unless.. you ask for a hug and the Quokka says…” The art style was really adorable, the text easy for him to predict, and kept him engaged.

This is a fantastic introduction to consent. It's accessible, cute, and empowering. It'll make a wonderful addition to libraries everywhere.

Now this! This is a great book about consent!! Great illustrations, and a no nonsense but kid friendly about asking before you touch and respecting the answer. Kids will learn from this book. Well done.

What a great book about consent for young children! I wish this had existed when I was a child and was expected to give hugs even when I didn't want to do so. The story has humor and helps kids navigate when it is ok to give hugs and when it is not. Most importantly, it tells them that it's always ok to say no and that no should always be respected. Highly recommended!

A good, rhyming story about setting boundaries pertaining to hugs. Features a cute animal that I had never heard of! Contains extensive and helpful backmatter about boundaries.

I love the fact that this book is such a sweet story about an adorable critter - but it also offers a teachable moment about consent. Highly recommend for the story, visuals, and message

A sweet little children’s picture book. About an animal I wasn’t really familiar with. It ended up being a cute story.

The little quokka starring in this tale is an adorable character. As soon as you see him you want to go give him a scratch behind his soft fluffy ears and a gentle loving hug. But does the quokka want a hug from you? His initial response is an emphatic "NO!" Will he eventually agree to this expression of friendship from you? It's totally his choice if he agrees or not.

This is a teachable moment book. Young ( and older ) readers learn that hugs are between two parties and BOTH sides need to be on board to give and get one! Kids will learn that hugs or any other gesture such as a kiss, a comfy squeeze or even a pinch on the cheek has to be consensual.

The message encourages kids to be in control of their own feelings and bodies and this book is a delightful segue to discuss this topic. So the author wraps up by stating...

"So, don't hug the Quokka. That is unless...
you ask for a hug and the Quokka says YES! " Excellent advice.

I highly recommend it this book.

This is a great picture book about an animal Americans usually aren’t familiar with. The illustrations are vibrant and the rhyming scheme has a hook I think preschoolers will love. I especially liked the note for parents and educators at the end of the book about the importance of hugs and consent, and how to discuss those topics with children.

This was an adorably illustrated book on the importance of consent for children. I really appreciated the extra note in the back as well.

First, Quokka's are super cute, almost as cute as an axolotl, and I would want to hug a Quokka. Second, the illustrations and rhyming text made this book about body autonomy fun to read.

The information provided in the notes section is helpful. This would make a great book for home libraries, kindergarten and school libraries.

I really enjoyed this book and it's message to children that not only should they respect if someone doesn't want to be touched, but that they have the authority and power to decide and speak up about what they are comfortable with. The rhyming in the story helped make it even more adorable.

A really good book that teaches kids about consent in the best way! Can't wait to read this for a storytime!
thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc for an honest review!

I cannot get enough of this book! Quokkas are the new sloths as far as I’m concerned. They are just too cute! This is a perfect book to help convey to both children and adults that consent is always necessary, in a gentle way. I have this on my list to purchase for my library children’s department and recommend it to all. The story is cute, illustrations are great and message is important.

This was a very good read about consent and body autonomy for younger children. The illustration and rhyming really helps to tell the story. I appreciated the author’s note at the end further explaining to parents the importance of convent and body autonomy,

Thanks to NetGalley and the American Psychological Association for access to this ARC.

A bucket list item for me is to travel to Tasmania and Australia one day, mainly for the animals including adorable quokkas. This was a cute picture book for younger children to introduce the subject of consent, definitely a hard topic to explain. The artwork is bright and cute and the subject is presented in a good way.

**thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc I received in exchange for an honest review**

Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book before its publication.

I really like the way this book encourages a child to be in control of their body and who is able to hug them.

Sometimes it makes children very uncomfortable to say no but we need to normalize saying no. This book is a cute way of doing that.

I loved the message and the illustrations.