Can I Give You a Squish?
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2020

Can I Give You a Squish?

Written by Emily Neilson

A mer-boy learns the importance of consent after his hugs cause unexpected reactions.

4.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 531 ratings
32 pages· AD520L
$18.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Kai, a mer-boy who loves giving hugs, learns a valuable lesson when his enthusiastic embrace frightens a puffer fish. Feeling guilty, Kai seeks advice from friends and discovers new ways to express affection. As he learns that everyone has their own preferred greeting, Kai realizes the importance of respecting personal boundaries. Will Kai find a way to share his love without causing alarm? Dive into this charming tale of friendship and understanding.

From the publisher

An important lesson on consent for over-exuberant little huggers, nestled inside this lighthearted, summery story about expressions of love and friendship.

Kai is a little mer-boy who’s big on hugs–or “squishes,” as he and his mama call them. But not everyone’s a fan of Kai’s spirited embrace, which he discovers soon after squishing a puffer fish, who swells up in fright! Kai feels awful; but with the help of his friends, he figures out another way to show his affection, and then everyone demonstrates their preferred ways of being greeted. Because, as Kai realizes, “Every fish likes their own kind of squish.”

At a glance
Format
Hardcover
Pages
32
Reading age
3–6
Audience
Picture
Lexile
AD520L
What readers & critics say

Reviews

4.5

out of 7

4.5

Fun and useful. This book presents big ideas of consent, respect, and personal space in a way that is easy for even toddlers to understand. And it's really cute! The setting--the world of mermaids, under the sea--is a big draw for my kids as well.

Lauren Hancock

Trusted reviewer

4.0

An important reminder for young ones (and adult readers) that some friends like to say hi in different ways. A great way to teach kids about their own bodily autonomy.

The Notorious RAD

Trusted reviewer

The author

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The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
~3.4
F&P level
~N
Publication
Published
June 9, 2020
First published
January 1, 2020
Edition
Language
English
Type
Picture Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9781984814777

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