A powerful and funny Own Voices story from a debut Australian writer, for fans of Simone Howell’s Girl, Defective and Rainbow Rowell’s Fangirl.

A funny and insightful novel about an autistic teen who realises she's been missing all the signs when it comes to her romantic life.

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--from author Carrie Finison and the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of The World Needs More Purple People, Daniel Wiseman. 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.

When Daddy Bear tells Little Bear that the best thing is to hug someone, Little Bear has an idea: let's give Mr Beaver a hug! And Miss Weasel! And the Hares! And the Big Bad Wolf! Before long, they've hugged nearly everyone in the forest. But aren't they forgetting someone? This irresistible, heart-warming picture book from a talented award-winning duo shows the joy of giving someone a hug.

There are children who, at heart, enjoy a solid bear hug, and there are many who don't -- and that's okay. Love and affection can be shown in many ways! In this sweet book, diverse children share different ways they feel comfortable being greeted by new and familiar friendly faces. Author Judi Moreillon's simple, powerful words describe the many ways a person can show they care, highlighting the importance of empathy and consent. Estelle Corke's illustrations capture the warm feelings of greeting a friend. For special use with children on the autism spectrum or with touch sensitivity, Please Don't Give Me a Hug! has an encouraging emphasis on social--emotional development that instills confidence in children encountering unfamiliar or scary social situations.

Janet is desperate to make new friends and be close to other people, but she just doesn't know how. When she approaches people in the park and tries to touch them, they are frightened. Janet feels devastated and lonely. With the help of her friend Monica, Janet learns about the right ways to make friends and how to behave safely with people she doesn't know yet. Friendships and relationships are important elements in everyone's life. If someone doesn't have experience of friendships or normal loving touch, making friends can be fraught with difficulty. Some people struggle with understanding even the basics of safe behaviour in public. This book can help people talk about safe ways to make friends, and to reflect on times when inappropriate behaviour may get them into trouble.

The bestselling and heart-warming picture book that shows us ways to be affectionate while social distancing, from the team behind The Hug.Hedgehog and Tortoise were the best of friends. They wanted to give each other a great, big hug. But they weren't allowed to touch. "Don't worry," said Owl. "There are lots of ways to show someone you love them." So the two friends wave to each other, blow kisses, sing songs, dance around and write letters. And even though they can't hug and they can't touch, they both know that they are loved. A gorgeous, uplifting, inspiring picture book that makes social distancing fun!