Don't Hug Doug

Ages 3 to 7, Grades P to 2

Meet Doug, an ordinary kid who doesn’t like hugs, in this fun and exuberant story which aims to spark discussions about bodily autonomy and consent.

Doug doesn’t like hugs. He thinks hugs are too squeezy, too squashy, too squooshy, too smooshy. He doesn’t like hello hugs or goodbye hugs, game-winning home run hugs or dropped ice cream cone hugs, and he definitely doesn’t like birthday hugs. He’d much rather give a high five—or a low five, a side five, a double five, or a spinny five. Yup, some people love hugs; other people don’t. So how can you tell if someone likes hugs or not? There’s only one way to find out: Ask! Because everybody gets to decide for themselves whether they want a hug or not.

About the Author

Carrie Finison writes poetry, stories, and books for kids. She is the author of the picture book Dozens of Doughnuts, illustrated by Brianne Farley. She lives outside Boston with her husband, their son, and their daughter, and two cats who allow her to work in their attic office. Visit the author at carriefinison.com and follow her on Twitter @CarrieFinison.

Author Residence: Arlington, MA

Daniel Wiseman is the illustrator of many books for kids, including The World Needs More Purple People by Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart, Goodbye Brings Hello by Dianne White, Play This Book by Jessica Young, When Your Lion Needs a Bath by Susanna Leonard Hill, and the Baby Scientist series by Laura Gehl. He lives with his family in Knoxville, Tennessee. Learn more at danieldraws.com or follow the artist on Instagram @d_wiseman.

Illustrator Residence: Knoxville, TN