FICTION

Hugs Are (Not) for Everybody

by Ella Russell (text) & illus. by Udayana Lugo
Owlkids. Mar. 2025. 24p. Tr $18.95. ISBN 9781771476393.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 2–Russell and Lugo team up in this follow-up to Pink Is for Everybody to explore the assumption that everyone likes—or at least doesn’t mind—being hugged. The setting for this instructional picture book is a birthday party where the host is greeting guests, who in turn greet each other with big hugs, only to discover that hugs are not for everybody. One guest prefers a wave, another a high five, and, for the birthday girl, a secret handshake will do. Exuberant digital illustrations that evoke the joy of a kid-centered celebration soften the slightly tedious text, while the racially and physically diverse cast of unnamed characters reprised from Pink Is for Everybody helps underscore the importance of honoring individuality.
VERDICT A fine choice for collections in need of books that help teach children about consent and personal space.
Reviewed by Lynn Van Auken , Feb 28, 2025

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