That quokka may be cute as a bug, but don’t raise your snoot if they give a hoot and say, “Not today!” to a hug!
Don’t Hug the Quokka! by Daniel Errico is a funny story about consent. When the narrator sees the “person” they are speaking too wanting to give a hug to a fuzzy, adorable, seemingly smiling quokka, they inform them (and we the reader) that it is not okay to hug someone if they do not want one. Of course, it is okay if they say YES!
The idea is simple, sweet and child appropriate. It is accessible to all ages. Giving and asking for consent has become a hot topic of late and this allows for an introduction to the subject. And maybe read it aloud to that family member who just does not understand the idea (or at least read it in the vicinity of them).
Mia Powell’s illustrations are equally fun, silly, and sweet. They might not be overly detailed, but they are colorful and make things softer to understand, while being strong. I am curious about their other works, but they might not become an illustrator I collect.
This came out in June 2022 in hardcover, so it will be a while for it to go into board book, but I am hoping that the publisher decides to also do this book in an oversize board book format. Don’t Hug the Quokka! Is going to become one of your child’s (and yours) to have a snuggle, reading time with.