Can I Give You a Squish?
by Emily Neilson (Author)
An important lesson on consent for over-exuberant little huggers, nestled inside this lighthearted, summery story about expressions of love and friendship.
Kai is a little mer-boy who's big on hugs--or squishes, as he and his mama call them. But not everyone's a fan of Kai's spirited embrace, which he discovers soon after squishing a puffer fish, who swells up in fright! Kai feels awful; but with the help of his friends, he figures out another way to show his affection, and then everyone demonstrates their preferred ways of being greeted. Because, as Kai realizes, "Every fish likes their own kind of squish."
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School Library Journal
PreS-K--Friendship can be complicated; sometimes, even the best intentions lead to undesired outcomes. Kai is a little merboy who loves giving squishes (hugs) to everyone and everything. One day, he travels around his undersea home and gives squishes to some kelp, a rock, some buried treasure, and one big group squish to his friends. But when he gets ready to give a squish to the puffer fish, instead of being friendly, the puffer fish becomes scared and upset. Together, Kai and his friends ponder other ways to greet the puffer fish. When a new greeting makes the puffer fish happy, it inspires the others to discuss their favorite alternatives to squishes, too. This book's simple message is powerful. The illustrations are well-designed, colorful, and richly detailed; all kinds of friendly sea creatures reside in Kai's world. The length of the text is perfect for young students who are learning about friendship and the idea that what is appropriate for one person may not be so for another. As readers observe the many greetings Kai and his friends share, they will no doubt be inspired to try these greetings and create others of their own. VERDICT This inclusive and heartwarming book is an essential addition to any library collection for young children.--Mary Lanni, formerly at Denver Public Library
Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Publishers Weekly
In this subaqueous tale gently teaching consent and social interaction strategies, Kai, an affectionate merboy with light brown skin and a seaweed-esque swoop of dark hair, likes giving all his pals squishes to show he cares. But after Kai accidentally scares a small pufferfish with his enthusiastic hugging, Kai and his friends--a dolphin, a crab, and an octopus--come up with alternate ways to exhibit friendliness ("I like getting fin bumps!" says the pufferfish). Light- and movement-filled digital illustrations clearly portray each character's emotions, offering young readers a visual lesson in empathy. The prose strikes a carefully executed balance between rhythm ("The rest of the morning, Kai gave out squishes./ He squelched some kelp, / and squashed a rock") and morals ("Every fish likes their own kind of squish!"), making for a reading experience that is both fun and educational. Ages 3-7. (June)
Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
Perfect for young students who are learning about friendship.... This inclusive and heartwarming book is an essential addition to any library collection for young children. ―SLJ
Playful yet clear...and the triumphant realization that 'every fish likes their own kind of squish!"' has high potential as a long-lasting and repeatable reminder. ―BCCB [A] rollicking undersea adventure...The back cover carries the overridingmessage: 'All you have to do is ask.' A fun lesson. ―Booklist Humor...helps the intentionally instructive text avoid preachiness. A mostly nifty vehicle to teach little ones about personal space, respect, consent, and bodily autonomy. ―Kirkus
JUV002100 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Fishes
JUV039200 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Manners & Etiquette
Marine animals
Hugging
Mermen
Personal space
