Hattie Hates Hugs

By Sarah Hovorka, Heather Brockman Lee (Illustrator)

A girl navigates unwanted hugs at a family reunion, learning to assert her boundaries.

4.2/5 Goodreads · 169 ratings

32 pages

$17.99Save 7%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

At a lively family reunion, Hattie faces a challenge: she loves her family but hates their constant hugs. Her discomfort grows as she dodges affectionate relatives, until Great-Grandma offers a solution. With her guidance, Hattie learns to assert her personal boundaries using clear body language and words. Can she find a way to enjoy the reunion and win a game of horseshoes without compromising her comfort? Discover how Hattie balances family love with personal space, teaching everyone the importance of consent and self-advocacy.

From the publisher

Hattie loves her family, but she hates hugs! While at a family reunion, Hattie wants to play horseshoes with Uncle Jake and Aunt Celia, but her boisterous relatives keep hugging her. Hattie’s stomach squirms uncomfortably when she’s hugged, but dodging and hiding from the open arms isn’t working. Great-Grandma is the only relative who understands how Hattie feels. With Great-Grandma’s help, Hattie learns to use simple but clear body language with verbal reinforcement to set boundaries around her personal space and to assert her right to consent to physical touch. And she even wins a game of horseshoes! This picture book will teach huggers and non-huggers alike the importance of respecting people’s personal boundaries and provides an example of how to advocate for yourself with confidence.

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