Written by Carrie Finison and Drawings by Daniel Wiseman
Don’t Hug Doug (He Doesn’t Like It) is a charming story about personal boundaries. Doug only likes just right hugs from his mom at bedtime. He likes many other things, like his rock collection and high fives. Also, Doug explains that he likes YOU, just not hugs.
This book is perfect to pair with Can I Give you a Squish by Emily Nelson or Don’t Touch My Hair by Sharee Miller. These titles can start a class discussion about personal boundaries and how each of us get to decide how and when it is ok to touch us. It is interesting to consider this topic in light of us slowly easing out of pandemic living. While some of us cannot wait to return to friendly hugs, others might still have some reservation, and that is ok. Like Doug suggests, all you have to do is ask, “Can I give you a hug?” and then respect the response.
