Librarianjk recommends Hugless Douglas

Hugless Douglas

by David Melling

Summary: Douglas the bear wakes up one morning wanting a hug. He unsuccesffully tries hugging a rock, a tall tree, and an odd-feeling bush that runs away. Won't anyone give him a hug?

This is a sweet story that could be used to teach children when it is appropriate to hug someone and that people you love, such as in your family, are the best people to hug. I taught special education and that was a hard concept for some students up to age 21 to understand! I especially like the last two pages that show different types of hugs including the “unrequited hug.” It does not, however, include the “side hug,” which is when someone puts his or her arm around another person’s shoulder and gives a gentle squeeze. As a compromise, “side hugs” were what one teacher in the special school allowed a student to give only after asking if it was okay with the other person.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 3