Books About Hugs · 100 titles considered

The Best Hugs Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about hugs? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Sloppy Takes the Plunge
Series
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Hugs

Sale price
$759
Board Book · Ages 2–4 · 2016

Hugs and Kisses

By Judi Abbot

Discover why everyone needs hugs and kisses in this charming animal tale.

20 pages
5.8/7 Bookroo·3.7/5 Goodreads · 62 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Board Book
Summary: Join a delightful group of animal friends in a heartwarming adventure that shows the power of hugs and kisses. In this enchanting board book, familiar faces from previous stories embark on a new journey, proving that love and affection are universal needs. Will they find the perfect way to share their warmth? Dive into this sweet tale to find out!
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

Nobody Hugs a Cactus

A prickly cactus discovers loneliness and seeks an unexpected hug.

42 pages· 517 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.7/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,062 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Hank, the world's prickliest cactus, relishes his solitude in a desert-facing window. Annoyed by visiting creatures, he shuns noise and hugs. Yet, as loneliness creeps in, Hank devises a plan to find the one thing he never thought he'd need—a hug from a friend. Can a cactus find companionship in a world that seems too prickly for love?
Board Book · Ages 0–3 · 2018

Will Ladybug Hug?

Will Ladybug's friends accept her farewell hugs before her trip?

38 pages
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 357 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Board book
Summary: Ladybug adores hugging, but as she prepares for a journey, she faces a dilemma: do her friends want hugs too? This charming tale explores friendship, consent, and the joy of high-fives. Will Ladybug's affectionate farewells be welcomed, or will she find unexpected surprises? Join Ladybug and her friends in a heartwarming adventure that celebrates preschool milestones with laughter and love.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Sloppy Takes the Plunge

A tree dragon resists bath time, but could cleanliness be fun too?

32 pages
5.5/7 Bookroo·3.7/5 Goodreads · 201 ratings
$17.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Sloppy the tree dragon loves being mucky and avoids bath time at all costs. But when faced with the prospect of getting clean, he might discover that splashing in water is just as enjoyable as rolling in dirt. Will Sloppy embrace the suds, or will he cling to his muddy ways? Dive into this playful tale to find out if a clean dragon can still have fun.
Board Book · Ages 2–4 · 2014

Hug Machine

A hug for everyone, anytime. Can anyone resist the Hug Machine?

36 pages
5.4/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 4,043 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Board Book
Summary: Meet the Hug Machine, a little dynamo with an unstoppable mission: to hug everyone, no matter their shape or size. From the spikey to the soft, his hugs are irresistible. But can he keep up with the demand? This heartwarming tale explores the power of affection and the joy of spreading warmth. Discover if the Hug Machine can truly hug the world!
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

Don't Hug the Quokka!

By Daniel Errico, Mia Powell (Illustrator)

A cute quokka teaches kids about consent and the importance of asking before hugging.

32 pages
4.2/5 Goodreads · 150 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In a world where even the cutest quokka might refuse a hug, young readers learn the vital lesson of consent. This charming tale introduces children to the idea that everyone, even the most adorable creatures, has the right to say no. As the quokka stands firm, kids discover the importance of asking before touching. Will the quokka ever say yes? This playful story offers a gentle yet clear message, making it an ideal starting point for parents to discuss consent with their children.
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2011

Cuddle Bear

A bear with endless hugs brings joy to the lonely.

32 pages· 230 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 169 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Cuddle Bear is on a mission to spread joy and comfort. Whether you're a lion, panda, penguin, or elephant feeling down, Cuddle Bear's hugs are the perfect remedy. No matter your size, his warm embrace promises to lift spirits and chase away loneliness. Will his hugs be enough to brighten everyone's day?
Board Book · Ages 0–4 · 2016

I'm Going to Give You a Bear Hug!

By Caroline B. Cooney, Tim Warnes (Illustrator)

Discover the whimsical world of hugs that spark giggles and bedtime dreams.

30 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 399 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Board Book
Summary: Explore a whimsical bedtime journey where hugs come in all shapes and sizes. From bear hugs that knock over chairs to slippery fish hugs, each page invites giggles and snuggles. This playful tale, filled with sweet rhymes and vibrant illustrations, celebrates the special bond between children and their loved ones. Perfect for winding down and drifting into dreamland, this book promises a night of laughter and love. What kind of hug will you give tonight?
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

How to Send a Hug

By Hayley Rocco, John Rocco (Illustrator)

Discover the magic of sending hugs through handwritten letters.

40 pages· 409 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 299 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Artie loves giving hugs, but her grandma lives far away. Unable to hug her in person, Artie discovers the magic of sending hugs through handwritten letters. This heartfelt tale explores the power of words to bridge distances and connect loved ones. Will Artie's hug reach her grandma? And what happens when you send a hug across the miles? Dive into this timeless story of love, connection, and the unexpected joy of receiving a hug in return.
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2022

How to Hug a Pufferfish

Underwater friends learn the importance of asking before hugging their prickly pufferfish pal.

40 pages
4.2/5 Goodreads · 452 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a vibrant underwater world, a friendly pufferfish faces a dilemma: unexpected hugs from friends can be a bit too spiky. While Pufferfish loves affection, they need to choose when and how it happens. As their friends learn to respect Pufferfish's personal space, they discover the importance of consent and body autonomy. Will they find the perfect way to show love without crossing boundaries? Dive into this colorful tale of friendship and understanding, where every hug is a choice and every friend learns to listen.
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Hugs Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about hugs for the youngest readers and listeners.

Big Hugs, Little Hugs

Ages 3–5 · 2012

Discover a world where everyone hugs, teaching love and opposites through vibrant animal adventures.

Goose Needs a Hug

Ages 2–5 · 2012

Goose feels down. Can a friend's hug lift his spirits?

10 Hugs and Kisses

Ages 0–3 · 2021

Count to ten with adorable animals sharing hugs and kisses.

Hug Time

Ages 5–6 · 2007

A kitten's hugs aim to change the world, one animal at a time.

Huggy Kissy

Ages 0–3 · 2012

Discover the joy of family love through a baby's eyes.

How Many Hugs?

Ages 4–8 · 2017

Discover how animals and insects share hugs in this delightful counting adventure.

If Animals Said I Love You

Ages 0–3 · 2018

How do animals express love? Discover their unique gestures.

Little Hugs from Little Loves

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Discover the joy of hugs in the animal kingdom, from dawn to bedtime.

Hugs

Ages 0–3 · 2014

A walk reveals that only a mommy hug feels just right.

Mommy Hugs

Ages 0–4 · 2006

Count the hugs shared between a mother and her baby.

Daddies Are Awesome

Ages 2–6 · 2016

Celebrate the special bond between father and child with playful puppy illustrations.

I Am Scary
Sale price
$1095

I Am Scary

Ages 0–2 · 2020

A monster's scare tactics fail when a child finds it huggable.

View all hugs board books
Browse by age

Hugs Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about hugs for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Don't Hug Doug

Ages 3–7 · 2021

A kid who dislikes hugs learns the importance of asking for consent.

Sale price
$1595

The Hug

Ages 3–6 · 2019

A hedgehog and a tortoise seek a hug but face unexpected challenges.

Sale price
$1595

While We Can't Hug

Ages 0–5 · 2020

Two friends find creative ways to show love without touch.

How to Build a Hug

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A girl who dislikes hugs invents a machine to feel embraced.

Hedgehugs

Ages 4–8 · 2014

Two hedgehogs seek the perfect hug despite their spiky dilemma.

Same Love, Different Hug

Ages 4–8 · 2023

Explore how different people express affection and respect boundaries.

Hedgehog Needs a Hug

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A prickly hedgehog seeks a hug but finds an unexpected friend instead.

Time for a Hug

Ages 0–5 · 2012

When is it time for a hug? Anytime!

Bugs Don't Hug
Sale price
$1499

Bugs Don't Hug

Ages 3–7 · 2018

This book compares and contrasts the daily lives of bugs with those of humans.

The Runaway Hug

Ages 3–7 · 2011

A child's quest to safeguard a precious hug faces an unexpected challenge.

I Need a Hug

Ages 3–5 · 2015

A character asks for a hug from various individuals, but is initially rejected due to their appearance.

Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug

Ages 3–5 · 2019

A young dinosaur tries to overcome his physical limitations to show affection to his friend.

Browse by age

Hugs Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about hugs for developing and independent readers.

The Catalogue of Hugs
Sale price
$1699

The Catalogue of Hugs

Ages 3–6 · 2022

Discover 25 unique parent-child hugs, from classic to daring, each with a playful twist.

Miles Is the Boss of His Body

Ages 8–12 · 2014

A boy declares control over his body on his birthday.

No More Cuddles!

Ages 3–7 · 2015

A forest creature seeks solitude by finding a cuddly replacement.

Do You Want a Hug?

Ages 6–8 · 2016

Join a playful hide-and-seek adventure with Olaf.

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