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The Hug Button

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Book Synopsis

It’s Matilda’s first day at The Meadows and she’s very excited. But when Mummy goes to say goodbye, Matilda isn’t happy. She doesn’t want Mummy to go. The next day, Mummy has a helpful suggestion. She draws two hug buttons-one on Matilda’s wrist and one on her own. Then, when Matilda wants a hug, or wants to give one, she can press the hug button and know that Mummy is thinking about her too.

From the award-winning duo, Naomi Jones and Rebecca Ashdown, comes a warm embrace of a book about learning to cope with separation.

Our Review Panel says...

The Hug Button is a heartwarming tale about Matilda, who is very nervous and anxious about her first day of school. When saying goodbye becomes too hard, Mum draws a hug button on both of their wrists, so that they can feel connected, even when apart.

The story maps the different feelings that Matilda goes through during her first days at school until the end of the story, where she is able to help another child. The text is accompanied by beautiful illustrations that capture how the characters are feeling that are colourful and attractive to readers.

This book would be perfect to share with parents before their child starts school or to help alleviate any anxiety and fears that may occur in the first few days of starting Nursery or Reception. It offers young readers and their parents a simple strategy for coping with separation.