Can I Give You A Squish? by Emily Neilson
Short Summary
Can I Give You A Squish? by Emily Neilson is a sweet, underwater-themed picture book that helps young children understand that not everyone likes the same kind of physical affection. Through Kai the merperson’s journey, kids learn how to respect others’ boundaries, ask for consent, and find new ways to show they care – whether it’s a fin bump or a tentacle shake. A gentle and fun introduction to the idea of body autonomy and consent.
Age Group
Suitable for children aged 3 to 6 years.
Topics Discussed
Consent
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Buy a Copy
Buy a copy of Can I Give You A Squish? by Emily Neilson from Amazon.
What this book is about
- The story follows Kai, a merperson who loves to give squishes (aka big hugs) to everyone around him.
- But when he tries to hug a pufferfish who clearly doesn’t want to be touched, things don’t go as planned – and Kai starts to feel bad.
- With help from his friend, Kai learns that there are lots of different ways to say hello and show love – like fin bumps, tail claps, or tentacle shakes.
- It’s a great reminder that just because you like something doesn’t mean everyone else does – and that’s okay.
- The book introduces consent in a way that young children can really understand – focusing on physical affection and learning to ask first.
- It also helps kids start thinking about how they like to be greeted – whether it’s hugs, high-fives, or something else entirely.
- A gentle, age-appropriate tool for starting conversations about personal space, bodily autonomy, and respecting others’ feelings.
- Perfect to read at home, in the classroom, or with relatives who may not understand your child’s boundaries just yet.
I hope you find this book review helpful!
Happy talking!
❤️ Cath