Sometimes all we need is a hug.  Whether it starts your day on the right foot or brings you peace at the end of a long one, hugs can help connect us when we need it most. So today I’m sharing this list of children’s books about hugs to share with your kids and remind each other how important a hug can be, and the love you can share with one.

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One Hug*

Written by Katrina Moore and illustrated by Julia Woolf

This lyrical book reminds the reader of all the different types of hugs that exist, and the many ways that they can affect us. The sweet story follows a young family as they share all kinds of hugs with one another. As more family members start to arrive they all begin to share more hugs. The rhyming text reminds us that a hug can help someone who is sad or lonely, and it can tie us together as family.

The illustrations are adorable, showing a family coming together to enjoy an evening spent eating, catching fireflies and snuggling outdoors together. There are lots of different generations pictured, reminding us that our love and hugs bind us together as family. This book is a great reminder of the power of hugs to show our love and support each other without words.

Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug*

Written by Jonathan Stutzman and illustrated by Jay Fleck

This adorable story follows Tiny T. Rex as he struggles to comfort his friend Pointy. He wants to give Pointy a hug, but his little arms won’t allow it. He reaches out to his loved ones, hoping that they will have the answers to help him. Eventually all of his hard work pays off and he is able to overcome the obstacles in his path and make his friend feel better. The story has important lessons about friendship and perseverance, and kids will love cheering for the adorable tiny dinosaur.

Related Reading: New Dinosaur Books for Kids

Huggapotamus

Written by Steve Metzger and illustrated by Gabriele Antonini

Albert is a big hippo who wants to show his friends how much he cares about them. But when his attempts to hug his friends go wrong, he’s left wondering what to do. His friends tell him that he is too rough, and too abrupt, and he is confused. Eventually the determined hippo learns to listen to his friends concerns and show them that he cares. The illustrations are vibrant and colorful, and the text contains an important lesson about personal space, which is often difficult for kids to understand.

Hug Me*

By Daniela Dogliani

This adorable board book explores the many times throughout the day that the little bunny wants hugs from his mother. From morning hugs to bedtime hugs, the rhyming text covers all of the sweet, comforting, and helpful hugs that his mother provides. The lyrical text is gentle and soothing, making this a perfect story for bedtime. The illustrations are full of bright colors, and they highlight the immense love between mother and child.

Related Reading: New Board Books about Love

Hedgehugs

Written by Steve Wilson and illustrated by Lucy Tapper

This adorable story follows two prickly hedgehogs who just want to hug. Horace and Hattie are best friends who love to do all kinds of fun things together. But their spikes make it difficult for them to hug. Together they try to find lots of different solutions to their hugging problems, but nothing seems to work. Finally, they find the perfect answer to their problem. The sweet and funny story is full of creative solutions, and kids will enjoy watching the determined hedgehogs try each of them out. Parents and kids alike will enjoy the twist ending that not only solves the hedgehogs’ problem, but also ties it in to our lives as well!

Hug Versus Cuddle

Written by Mark Pallis and illustrated by Atolonia

This adorable book follows two young gibbons who don’t always get along. When they are told to hug and make up, they start to argue about the difference between a hug and a cuddle. So they go off to ask their animal friends about hugs vs. cuddles, eventually realizing that it doesn’t matter what it is called, as long as they have each other. Kids will love the cute animal characters, and the sweet ending to the book.

Do you have any favorite children’s books on hugs? Share in the comments below!

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