How to Hug a Pufferfish

A picture book about a group of underwater friends who learn to ask for permission before showing their prickly, pufferfish pal some love.

So, you want to hug a pufferfish...

Who could blame you? That friendly, gap-toothed grin is hard to resist! Only, when Pufferfish is hugged or touched unexpectedly by their friends, things can get a little…spiky.

It’s not that Pufferfish doesn’t ever want hugs—it’s just that they need to have a say in when and how they’re hugged. Luckily, they have great friends who are willing to listen and learn the best ways to show Pufferfish some love and respect their personal space.

With it's bright, commercial art and unique exploration of a timely topic, Ellie Peterson's How to Hug a Pufferfish provides a straightforward and humorous look at consent and body autonomy for kids.