Don’t Hug Doug
Written by Carrie Finison
Illustrated by Daniel Wiseman
G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers (2021)
ISBN 9781984813022
Listen to a sample from the audiobook
Meet Doug, an ordinary kid who doesn’t like hugs, in this fun and exuberant story which aims to spark discussions about bodily autonomy and consent—from author Carrie Finison and the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of The World Needs More Purple People, Daniel Wiseman.
Doug doesn’t like hugs. He thinks hugs are too squeezy, too squashy, too squooshy, too smooshy. He doesn’t like hello hugs or goodbye hugs, game-winning home run hugs or dropped ice cream cone hugs, and he definitely doesn’t like birthday hugs. He’d much rather give a high five–or a low five, a side five, a double five, or a spinny five. Yup, some people love hugs; other people don’t. So how can you tell if someone likes hugs or not? There’s only one way to find out: Ask! Because everybody gets to decide for themselves whether they want a hug or not.
If ordering from Belmont Books, request a signed copy in the Order Comments field. Please note any special personalization (e.g. children’s names).
Reviews
“A gently humorous picture book that kindly, effectively highlights the importance of asking others before initiating physical contact.” – Publishers Weekly Starred Review
“…fun to read aloud or explore independently. An excellent update on the Golden Rule: treat people how they want to be treated.” – Kirkus Starred Review
“A simple, effective plea to respect other people’s boundaries is here set in a comical framework…. A fun way to deliver the truth of different strokes for different folks.” – Booklist
“This readaloud is simple and effective in showing young viewers how to establish bodily autonomy—Doug firmly but politely rejects hugs, even as the book suggests different situations where people might hug him. The whimsical displays in digital art . . . provide viewers a soft lens through which to consider their own stance. This book would be a great starting point for a conversation about boundaries and how to set them.” – Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
If ordering from Belmont Books, request a signed copy in the Order Comments field. Please note any special personalization (e.g. children’s names).
Themes
Bodily autonomy, consent, friendship, social-emotional learning
Honors & Recognition
- An ALA Notable Children’s Book, 2022
- A Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year, 2022
- A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year, 2021
- Anna Dewdney Read Together Award honoree, 2022
- Illinois Monarch Book Award Masterlist, 2023
- Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Book Award nominee, 2022-23
- Michigan Great Lakes Great Books nominees 2022-23
- Nevada Young Readers Book Award nominee, 2023
- Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award nominee, 2023
- Capitol Choices Reading List, 2022
- Texas 2×2 2022 Reading List, 2022
- Alabama Camellia Award nominee 2022-23
- Missouri Building Block Award nominee, 2022
- Massachusetts Picture Book Award “Must Read,” 2021
- South Dakota Prairie Bud Children’s Book Award nominee 2023-24
- Iowa Bridge to Reading Picture Book Award nominee, 2022
