How to Hug a Pufferfish (2024)

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*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*

This is a sweet children's picture book focusing on teaching about asking permission, body autonomy and consent in an easily understandable way. The bright colours and eye-catching pictures will keep children interested and engaged with the story.

Definitely recommend for small children who are just starting to learn about these topics!

This is an excellent book for teaching consent. Wait. Wait! This is a children's book and children do like reading it. One of the "lessons" though is respecting other people and how they want to be treated, hugged, not hugged - as they wish. I love it!

I don't think we can ever have enough picture books that teach about consent in age-relevant & age-appropriate ways. This one is simple, clear, & cute. And who doesn't love a pufferfish?! It would make a great jumping off point for kids to discuss things that would make them feel more comfortable when approached for a hug & a discussion about not all kids liking hugs. Asking first is always a best practice to get into from a young age. Though I didn't like it as much as Can I Give You a Squish?, it would make a good paired text set along with More Than Fluff.

How to Hug a Pufferfish is a great lesson in remembering that not everyone shows affection the same way. The story looks at asking people before hugging them and learning how people liked to be shown love instead of assuming what they might like. How to Hug a Pufferfish is a great reminder that not everyone loves physical touch, and that is okay! How to Hug a Pufferfish is a new favorite!

I enjoyed the message of this picture book. Sometimes we just need a little space, don't sneak up on pufferfish (or people), be gentle, and ask if pufferfish wants a hug. This is so valuable when talking to children about personal space.

1.) “Even if you love hugs, Pufferfish might prefer something different”

2.) “Pufferfish might show you a different way to say I love you”

My cat has already taught me these things. However, these quotes are a great reminder. I will have mom and dad read this to me again. It pairs well with my bath time toys!

Great focus on body autonomy and consent. I normally wouldn't ask for a book to be more explicit in its messaging, but I do think that this book could have benefitted from a very quick afterword or something near the end making it clear that this isn't only about pufferfish. After all, there are a number of people who might not want a hug, even if they don't have a perceptively negative reaction.

It's still a very cute book that delivers its message well and without a heavy hand. With guidance from someone who will take the lesson a step further, it would be a great resource for home or classroom use.

Absolutely adorable book. My son loved it.

How to Hug a Pufferfish is a hilarious and gentle story about what happens when hugs are given without consent. Told through vibrant, digital illustrations of sea life, we see Pufferfish from two different aspects of life. First, there is the cute, gentle, and almost (almost!) cuddly Pufferfish. And then there is Pufferfish who is constantly on alert from sea life who makes too much noise, wants to give him hugs and tickles without permission. All it takes is one question, and then the sea life will know what is ok with Pufferfish and what is not.

What I love about How to Hug a Pufferfish is that a very real and serious topic is told through a familiar and gleeful point of view. Children will understand this story’s message without it being told to them in a didactic way.

HOW TO HUG A PUFFERFISH will be your new favorite book about consent for the classroom or home storytime. Funny and sweet, with vibrant and eye-catching under-the-sea illustrations. What I love most about this story is the explanation that hugging the pufferfish might be okay, but there is a certain way the pufferfish wants to be hugged: gently, with no pokes or tickles. After reading this story, you'll probably want to hug a pufferfish, too--and you'll know how to ask a pufferfish (or anyone) if that's okay first.

The colors and characters in HOW TO HUG A PUFFERFISH will hook young readers from page one. This fun and fresh take on honoring boundaries and personal preferences will help kids (and adults in need of a gentle reminder) understand that we all express ourselves in different ways. You want to hug a pufferfish? Cool. Ask Puff if they want one. If they say no, show them how much you care by honoring their choice. If they say yes, hug them in a way that feels good for them! They may not like to be startled, or have to deal with loud noises, or be tickled with all eight of your octopus arms. Favorite illustrations: when Puff goes into full puff mode! So fun!

THOSE BIG OL' BUBBLE EYES!

This underwater exploration of consent and boundaries is at turns hilarious and heartfelt. Ellie Peterson's witty text puts a fun twist on the traditional how-to guide, while her clear, vibrant illustrations are sure to catch the attention of even the youngest readers. Some truly satisfying page turns will surprise and delight at story time. Perfect for the child discovering new ways to articulate space and boundary needs, or the child with an interest in the ocean and sea creatures.

The illustrations in this story are a perfect blend of hilarity and cuteness (I had never imagined pufferfish being so adorable, both puffed up and deflated!). The story message is also perfectly balanced, celebrating the love and affection that kids—and adults— often feel for their friends, along with the urge to express it physically, while also thoughtfully challenging readers to pause and consider how the recipient of that love would like to receive that affection. It’s delightfully fun with that sweet ahh moment (and a hilarious, laugh-out-loud ending!)

Good advice on how to hug a pufferfish – or anyone who might not be comfortable with hugs. With child-friendly text and an adorable cast of sea characters, this fun yet informative book shows how Pufferfish might actually be open to a hug, given the right conditions. And if not? That’s ok too! There are lots of ways to show a friend you care. Could anything be cuter than Pufferfish and company? After swimming around in these colorful pages, I don’t think so!

How To Hug A Pufferfish is a playful book about boundaries, consent, respect, and pufferfish. I love all the distinct fish characters and the kid-friendly underwater world where the characters practice loving one another in ways other than hugs. Plus the book has a touch of humor and what must be the cutest pufferfish in all of children's literature. A wonderful book for starting conversations on any of the above.

It's totally understandable you would want to hug a pufferfish...and who could blame you? (I mean, really...look at those eyes!) Still, there are some things to consider in this adorably humorous book by @ellie_pete, where some underwater friends learn to ask for permission before showing their pufferfish pal affection. It's a funny, warm and empathy-driven take on issues of body autonomy and consent without being at all preachy

This was a cute book that was more about manners and consent than about ocean animals. The other ocean animals would like to hug pufferfish to show they care, but obviously there are adverse effects when pufferfish is startled isn't in the mood for a hug. I like that it poses the possibility that pufferfish both may want and not want hugs, and there are great ideas on how to show you care in various other ways, too.

Darling illustrations and sparse text give tips on how to hug a pufferfish...tips that could also allow a parent to talk with their young child about body autonomy and consent. People should ask you before they hug you and you should ask people before you hug them. It could also be helpful to use if your child will be interacting with a neurodivergent classmate or friend because these tips will help the neurodivergent child feel safer and more comfortable.

I Absolutely love this book teaching children about consent through this cute pufferfish. Teaching children they have the power and right to choose affection, even if it upsets a trusted family member or friend, I think it is key in children building boundaries (and keeping safe),
“it’s not that Pufferfish doesn’t ever want hugs - it’s just that they need to have a say in when and how they’re hugged.”

TO HUG A PUFFERFISH by Ellie Peterson is a cute, fun, and colorfully illustrated story to teach your preschooler about body autonomy and consent. When people are stressed, sometimes they just need to be alone. Not everyone likes to hug. You should ask first and there are different ways like high fives that you can show someone you love them.

Thank you Ellie Peterson, Roaring Brook Press and @mackidsbooks for the #gifted book.

I happened upon "The Contoured Librarian" on TikTok, who had a stack of picture books they feel everyone will enjoy. This was one that caught my eye because it's about the fact that some people are uncomfortable being hugged or touched (especially by those they barely know or when they aren't expecting it), how important consent is, and that you have every right to set boundaries which should be respected. A really cute book with an important message.

HOW TO HUG A PUFFERFISH is such a delightful picture book! With adorable sea creatures plus extra entertaining depictions of Pufferfish super-puffed up, this book uses succinct text and humorous thoughts and tips to present a meaningful message with non-didactic delivery. It cleverly covers consent and hugging considerations, affection alternatives, personal preferences, and respect for others' wishes—all through especially charming pufferfish appeal. LOVE!

LOVE. THIS. BOOK. Such a fun fun fun book!! I only read this to my preschool and kinder students and they have so much fun with it.

Love explaining what a pufferfish is to little ones and how they work. Also, enjoy hearing the kiddos explain their methods on how to hug a pufferfish🤣.

The artwork in this is just amazing. So colorful and cute and fun.

Can't go wrong with this picture book. I'm sure my older ones will enjoy too (probably up to 3rd grade).

A kid-friendly exploration of consent presented as a light-hearted undersea adventure. Ellie Peterson's succinct, matter-of-fact text pairs perfectly with her cartoonish illustrations that gently remind kids that not everyone wants a hug and there are many other ways to say "I love you."

I accessed a digital ARC via Edelweiss.

What a fun book with wonderful illustrations. Ellie cleverly writes about giving – or not giving – hugs. My favorite spread was “Pufferfish might show you a different way to say I love you.” The accompanying illustration was magnificent. Kids will definitely enjoy this book and under its important message about asking permission and having consent.

Cutest pufferfish ever! This sweet story about giving a hug under just the right set of circ*mstances is a simple way to begin talking about consent. There are plenty of giggles packed in here, too, and a super satisfying ending (a new sea creature to hug that's hilariously perfect!). A bright and beautiful picture book.

"So you want to hug a pufferfish."

They are adorable, but does that mean you should just run up and hug a pufferfish? FWOOMP! Pufferfish doesn't like surprises or loud noise and he really wants you to ask him before you give him a hug. He might even prefer a "high tail or fin-shake instead."

A great read aloud for understanding personal space. The illustrations are adorable.

Pufferfish looks so squishy to hug, but it's best to ask Pufferfish first before giving a squeeze because . . .FWOOMP . . . ouch, a friend might get hurt. This book shows how important consent is in a playful and humorous way using sea creatures. The sparse text and bold illustrations made this an enjoyable read aloud with my 4yo.

Clever hints for how to hug a pufferfish without startling it and causing problems. I love the simple suggestion to ask if the puffer wants to be hugged or has other ideas for greeting each other. I love the connections to be made with friends and family. The illustrations capture the fun but also the more serious point to respect boundaries.

At first glance this is everything I love in children's books - clever, colorful illustrations, and animal / sea-world related. However it didn't totally hit for me. It still had all the highlights but I'd have loved just a little more thought into the text. Still a good library checkout option for 1 or 2 times for bedtime story reading.