Written By Carrie Finison 

Drawings By Daniel Wiseman

Penguin Random House 

Body Autonomy – The right to say no to hugs, kisses or physical contact, even with family members.

There are lots of people who love hugs, dogs, slugs, various people – but not everybody.   Doug doesn’t like hugs; they make him feel weird.  But Doug does know how to say no and also knows not to make excuses or try to validate his feelings to others.  Doug is clear that he doesn’t want hugs from anyone for any circumstance, unless it is bedtime and you are Doug’s Mom – those are the only types of hugs Doug will accept. 

But can we hug other people? The important thing is that we have to ask, we have to gain consent and we must listen to the wishes of others.  Some may say no, some may say sometimes, some may say always, or on certain days or at certain times, But no matter what, we must ask, we must gain consent and we must respect a person’s body autonomy.   

Whenever I have read this story with children they have had no problems understanding the concept, we often see children immediately putting what they have learned into practice.  This story is clear, friendly, direct and fun – a great way to deliver this important message.

“Because the child does not have the power to withhold consent, she does not have the power to grant it” – Judith Lewis Herman.

To purchase visit  https://bookshop.org/a/104412/9781984813022 

Read aloud version https://www.youtube.com/@JaynesBookBridge 

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