Hugs Still Feel the Same
By (Author) Kiralee Strong
Illustrated by Jenni Barrand
Exisle Publishing
EK Books
5th March 2025
New edition
Australia
Children
Fiction
Childrens / Teenage personal and social topics: Emotions, moods, feelings and be
Childrens / Teenage fiction: Family and home stories
Hardback
32
Width 255mm, Height 245mm
A beautifully illustrated, reassuring story about finding comfort in the familiar when life turns upside down. Perfect for children experiencing big changes, from moving house to the trauma of a natural disaster.
In Hugs Still Feel the Same, life is thrown into turmoil for a little girl and her family when their home is flooded. The water builds and builds until the whole town must be evacuated in the night. In the darkness, with only torches to light the way and their home left behind, it feels like all they have left is each other. But maybe thats the most important thing.
This gentle and empowering story was inspired by the authors real-life experience of the severe flooding that engulfed the Northern Rivers of NSW, Australia in 2022. During 6 months as a volunteer for the flood recovery efforts, she witnessed the distress and trauma caused to many families who lost their homes. Finding the beautiful amongst the chaos was incredibly important, and there was little more comforting than a hug from a loved one.
Hugs Still Feel the Same is a story of resilience and hope in the face of lifes difficulties. It explores the impact of big changes and trauma, providing a tool for parents and carers to help children through distressing times. It is a big-hearted reminder that even when life feels scary and unknown, its possible to find comfort if we know where to look.
Kiralee Strong is a writer with a goal to inspire imagination in children and adults. She loves to write heartfelt books that encourage conversations. Jenni Barrand is a childrens art teacher who lives on the Northern Beaches of Sydney with a husband, two kids, one cat and three guinea pigs.