While We Can't Hug

(Board book, Main)

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Description

Hedgehog and Tortoise were the best of friends.
They wanted to give each other a great, big hug.
But they weren't allowed to touch.

"Don't worry," said Owl. "There are lots of ways to show someone you love them."

So the two friends wave to each other, blow kisses, sing songs, dance around and write letters. And even though they can't hug and they can't touch, they both know that they are loved.

A gorgeous, uplifting, inspiring picture book that makes social distancing fun!

Reviews

An important historical record of the time. -- Times

Precious - but timely and comforting all the same. -- Kirkus

This is a little treasure of a story that can be read for years to come. It's simple and simply beautiful. -- Book Monsters

The tender simplicity of While We Can't Hug pairs Eoin McLaughlin's text with Polly Dunbar's rosy-cheeked images. -- Guardian

A book that ought to carry a tear-jerker warning but one that is perfect for your little (and bigger ones) at home. -- The Literacy Tree

A most timely and poignant read... will strike a chord with readers of all ages. -- Picture Books Blogger

Cheerful, cute, kind, and thought-provoking. -- Armadillo Magazine

An uplifting and joyful read which demonstrates the power of words and pictures in providing reassurance and comfort in the strangest of times. -- Book Lover Jo

Author Bio

Polly Dunbar is one of the best-known illustrators working in the UK today. Polly's bestselling book, Penguin, won numerous awards including the BookTrust Early Year's Award, the Nestle Silver Children's Book Prize, the Red House Children's Book of the Year Award and was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal. Polly was chosen as one of BookTrust's Ten Best Illustrators. Polly is the illustrator of Shoe Baby, Pat-a-Cake Baby and two picture books written by David Almond. Polly created 'Tilly and Friends', a series which is now animated on CBeebies. Polly lives in the Waveny Valley, Suffolk with her partner and their two boys.

Eoin McLaughlin was born in Ireland and now lives in Surrey with his partner and their young son. When he's not hugging them, he's writing more stories. The Hug was his debut picture book. He also wrote Secret Agent Elephant, illustrated by Ross Collins and The Case of the Missing Cake, illustrated by Marc Boutavant, and has many more picture books in the pipeline.