Hattie Hates Hugs by Sarah Hovorka; Heather Lee (New, 2022, HC, 32 pages, Beaming Books)

New. ISBN 9781506480206

Hattie loves her family, but she hates hugs!

While at a family reunion, Hattie wants to play horseshoes with Uncle Jake and Aunt Celia, but her boisterous relatives keep hugging her. Hattie's stomach squirms uncomfortably when she's hugged, but dodging and hiding from the open arms isn't working. Great-Grandma is the only relative who understands how Hattie feels. With Great-Grandma's help, Hattie learns to use simple but clear body language with verbal reinforcement to set boundaries around her personal space and to assert her right to consent to physical touch. And she even wins a game of horseshoes!

This picture book will teach huggers and non-huggers alike the importance of respecting people's personal boundaries and provides an example of how to advocate for yourself with confidence.