The Great Big Hug by Isy Abraham-Raveson
Short Summary
The book The Great Big Hug by Isy Abraham-Raveson, illustrated by Todd Hall, is a beautifully illustrated story that helps children understand the basics of consent. It uses simple animal characters to show that not everyone likes the same kind of play or affection, and that it’s important to respect boundaries and listen to both words and body language.
Age Group
Suitable for children aged 4 to 8 years.
Topics Discussed
Consent
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Buy a Copy
Buy a copy of The Great Big Hug by Isy Abraham-Raveson from Amazon.
What this book is about
- The story follows an elephant who loves giving hugs to their friends. But when a hug starts to hurt or isn’t wanted, the elephant learns that not everyone enjoys the same things.
- Through encounters with different animals (a meerkat, an ostrich, and a whale), children see how friends can say no with words or with body language – and that it’s okay.
- The book highlights that consent isn’t fixed – it can change depending on how someone feels in the moment.
- It gently models what to do when mistakes happen: apologise, adapt, and find another way to connect.
- Parents can use the different animal scenarios to spark conversations with their child. For example, when the ostrich says no, you might ask: “Did they use words, or did their body show how they felt?”
- The illustrations are bright and engaging, helping kids grasp the message that respecting boundaries makes friendships stronger.
- While the book isn’t about sexual consent, it lays down those early foundations of respect, listening, and understanding others’ needs – skills that children carry into all their relationships.
I hope you find this book review helpful!
Happy talking!
❤️ Cath