The Hug Button

A beautiful book about separation anxiety and those first few days of nursery! Matilda is excited about starting nursery, until she arrives and says goodbye to Mum - that’s when the anxiety creeps in. The next day, finding it hard to say goodbye, Mum draws a button on Matilda’s wrist and tells her to press it to send a hug at any time…

The idea of a 'hug button' is really sweet as a coping mechanism. The sentiment is lovely and I can see this really helping young children who are about to transition to nursery or school. The illustrations are also really lovely, brightly coloured and vivid - sure to capture and retain attention!

Picture book / Reviewed by Stephanie Gladdish

Suggested Reading Age 3+

Matilda is really excited about starting at The Meadows…until it comes to saying goodbye to Mummy. The next day, parting with her is even harder, so Mummy draws a hug button on Matilda's wrist, something to help her cope with her feelings.

Heart-warming and positive, The Hug Button is the perfect story for sharing with anyone who is worried about separation. Whilst encouraging resilience, the story validates Matilda's feelings, showing it is natural to feel anxious in new situations and be reluctant to part from loved one, before offering a sweet coping strategy which could easily be adopted by any reader feeling daunted at being separated from a loved one.

The story cleverly anticipates the potential for over-reliance on the 'hug button' by showing how Matilda copes when hers washes off when playing in the water tray. The idea that 'love is always being there, even when you're not together' is such a powerful one, designed to offer comfort. Matilda has her ups and downs during the day, but she copes with each new challenge, reassuring children that they too will manage in new situations.

The delightful illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to the text as they capture the whole range of emotions experienced by Matilda - and her mother - offering plenty of places for readers to pause and discuss these feelings and ways of managing them. A real must-have to share with any little one preparing to navigate their own way through a new situation. 

Picture book / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 3+

A gorgeous book, perfectly placed to help little people deal with parental separation when starting school or nursery.

Matilda is excited to start at pre-school but doesn't want her mummy to go; she finds it hard saying goodbye! The next day mummy has an idea, and draws a hug button onto each of their wrists. Throughout her day, whenever Matilda feels a bit scared or nervous she presses her hug button and this makes her feel better.

The Hug Button is an ideal book for reading with young children before they start nursery or school, providing an opportunity to talk about ways to cope with missing loved ones and to show that love is still there even when we can't be together.

Picture book / Reviewed by Joanne Thomas

Suggested Reading Age 3+