While We Can't Hug
By Eoin McLaughlin
How can two best friends share love when they’re never allowed to touch?
Pageticker community rating
Average score: 4.75
From 8 readers
What do our readers think of While We Can't Hug? (Generated from the text of reviews of the book)
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What does the Pageticker team say about While We Can't Hug?
We think this gentle sequel to The Hug offers a lovely, practical reminder that affection is much bigger than physical contact. Eoin McLaughlin keeps the message simple and reassuring, while Polly Dunbar’s expressive illustrations give Hedgehog and Tortoise plenty of charm; adults may find its pandemic-era context especially recognisable, though its ideas work for any child missing someone they love.
Genres
What is While We Can't Hug about?
Hedgehog and Tortoise are the best of friends who long to hug each other. However, they're unable to touch. Guided by Owl, they discover alternative ways to express their affection, such as waving, blowing kisses, singing songs, dancing, and writing letters. Through these creative gestures, they reaffirm their friendship and love, even without physical contact.
About the author
Eoin McLaughlin is a popular author known for writing heart-warming picture books for children. His stories, like 'The Hug' and 'The Longer the Wait, the Bigger the Hug,' are loved for their kindness and gentle humour. Eoin enjoys creating books that help children feel safe, happy, and loved when they read them.
Discussion ideas around While We Can't Hug
Showing love: How do Hedgehog and Tortoise show that they care about each other without hugging?
Owl’s ideas: Which of Owl’s suggestions would you choose, and what other ways could friends show affection from a distance?
Missing someone: What might help you feel close to someone when you cannot be together?
Friendship and feelings: How do Hedgehog and Tortoise’s feelings change as they find new ways to connect?
Pages
32 pages
Reading age
Picture Book (2-7)
This edition
2020
First published
2020
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