Hattie Hates Hugs - by Sarah Hovorka (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"A recommended addition to picture book collections, especially where stories about feelings and social skills are in demand." --School Library Journal

"Learning how to advocate for your personal space and respecting the personal space of others are critical skills that all children need to develop. Readers will be cheering and eagerly turning the pages of this beautifully illustrated, diverse, and multigenerational book." --Vivian Kirkfield, author of From Here to There; Making Their Voices Heard; and Sweet Dreams, Sarah

"Children will be encouraged to advocate for themselves when uncomfortable with a situation. It's a great book for huggers and non-huggers alike." --Dow Phumiruk, illustrator of Counting on Katherine and An Equal Shot

"Every child deserves to feel safe and respected in their body while building positive connections with trusted adults. As a clinician who has worked with thousands of children like Hattie, I know how empowering it is for children and families to embrace healthy boundaries and consent." --Adolfo Garcia, Director of Clinical Operations, CALM

"All kids--but especially young girls--should have a copy of this book. It's never too soon to teach our kids that they have the right to say 'No!' to any unwanted touch. Hattie Hates Hugs doesn't just give them permission; it shows them how it's done." --Amy Mucha, author of A Girl's Bill of Rights