Don't Hug the Quokka is a great book with an important message for younger children. It teaches the importance of respecting when someone says 'no' and learning that is is okay to say 'no'. I love the information that is written in the back. This book is a great tool to start a conversation with children about saying 'no'.
The artwork is fun and goes perfectly with the story. Overall, a wonderful book!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I laughed through this entire book 😂

Essentially never hug a quokka….even if you ask, bring him food, approach slowly, etc. the answer will always be no 😂 The illustrations are cute and comical and the text is so goofy.

But behind the cutesy story and illustrations, the author makes a note in the back that is super important! The point of this book is to teach children that is is okay to say no to physical touch, like hugs. It empowers kids to be their own advocates.

As a teacher, I cannot express the importance of this enough. I’m a very hands on teacher, I love on my kids, accept every hug and high five offered. I once had a student on the ASD spectrum and I didn’t even think about high fives and such with him. He spoke up one day and said ‘Miss B, I really don’t like hugs and high-fives. I don’t like to be touched.’ I commend that student for advocating for himself and telling me no! It was eye opening for me that I should ask before hand.

I will purchase this book for my classroom for sure!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC E-reader!

Posted on my Instagram @lizzies_little_library_

This is a great, very cute way to talk about the issue of consent and touching for kids, in a low-stakes and fun way. Can't wait to carry it in our store!!

Thanks to Netgalley and American Psychological Association, Magination Press for a free digital copy.

This is an adorable book to teach kids about consent and not encroaching on the boundaries of others. I loved the illustrations and the cadence of the book.

Told in rhyme and adorable pictures, this picture book is the cutest way to introduce body autonomy and personal space to children. I LOVE that this exists. Using a cuddly animal that you really want to hug, but having that animal vocalize that it would rather you not hug it, is clear enough for children to follow, but distanced enough that children won't feel attacked if they don't like hugs either. That little Quokka deserves to decide if he is a part of a hug or not, and this book presents that extremely well. I can't wait to add this to my social skills section in the classroom!

*I received this book for free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

A cute book with an important message!

Everyone should have the choice whether or not they want a hug. No matter who is wanting to hug them. It is basically a guide with several examples of times when not to give hugs. There are good illustrations with a matching color scheme throughout the book. The book also rhymes, which I always enjoy!

Cute story to teach consent to kids with! Exceptionally easy material to relate to for young ones since hugs begin from a very early age, and many kids will be approached for hugs by other kids and grown-ups alike. Wonderful way to start the conversation!

Don't Hug the Quokka! is a book with an important message. Through cute illustrations, clear writing, and repetition, young children can learn about consent and boundaries in an easy, accessible way. The Quokka says "no" to a hug in many different ways (by words, actions/signs, and body language), and "yes" to a hug when it wants one. At the end, there is a note for parents, providing information on consent and how children can learn to say "no" or "yes" and express themselves with confidence. Thank you, Magination Press, the American Psychological Association, and NetGalley, for introducing me to this book.

I wish I had six stars to give this book. For starters, my kiddo thought the quokka was hilarious. She's only three years old so I'm not sure that she totally got the point of what the book is trying to teach yet, but she loved looking at the pictures and the big NO's on each page. There is a detailed explanation at the back of the book about how caregivers can make sure the concept of bodily autonomy sets in, different ideas for how you can discuss it, and why it's important to start talking about it early. There are a lot of things our kids don't have choices about, especially when they are younger (yes, you have to wear a coat outside if it's 20F, no, ice cream cannot be the only food you consume...), but they should always have a choice about whether someone touches them or not. Let's repeat this early and often.

Thank you to Daniel Errico, American Psychological Association, and NetGalley for access to this free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

What a beautiful book about consent and bodily autonomy! The illustrations are gorgeous, the text is simple and straightforward, and this is a must have in every Library.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title. All opinions and mistakes are my own.

Fantastic book that teaches kids consent in a fun, creative way. I loved the rhythm of the text as well as the accompanying illustrations. I also liked that the book stressed asking before assuming people are ok with physical touch. Overall, a great way to introduce the concept of consent to young children.