The Hug Button - A Reassuring Back to School picture book about Separation Anxiety and Confidence
Naomi Jones author Rebecca Ashdown illustrator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Oxford University Press
Published:3rd Jul '25
Should be back in stock very soon
When Matilda starts school she misses Mummy. Can a hug button help her adjust to this big change?
Matilda feels sad when Mummy says goodbye to her outside her new school. Maybe what she needs to adjust to this change is a hug button, so she can send Mummy a hug any time she wants to-and get one back!A heartwarming and reassuring story about separation anxiety & confidence, this beautifully told picture book helps young children navigate the emotions that come with starting nursery or school. Matilda is excited for her first day at The Meadows. Everything is new and full of possibilities, and she can't wait to begin her adventure. But when it's time for Mummy to say goodbye, Matilda feels worried and upset. Suddenly, she doesn't want Mummy to leave at all. The next morning, Mummy comes up with a special idea. She draws a little hug button on Matilda's wrist and another on her own. Whenever Matilda misses her mum or wants to send a hug, she can press her button and imagine a loving hug being shared between them, no matter where they are. With this simple but comforting reminder, Matilda begins to find the confidence to enjoy her day, knowing that her mum is always thinking of her. Created by award-winning duo Naomi Jones and Rebecca Ashdown, this gentle and uplifting story provides comfort and reassurance for children experiencing separation from loved ones for the first time. Key Features & Benefits • Supports Separation Anxiety - Helps children manage worries about being apart from parents and caregivers. • Encourages Emotional Resilience - Builds confidence and independence in a reassuring and age-appropriate way. • Perfect for Starting Nursery or School - An ideal story for children preparing for new routines and environments. • Warm and Relatable Story - Captures the emotions many children experience during transitions. • Beautifully Illustrated - Charming artwork brings Matilda's journey to life with warmth and sensitivity. • Valuable for Home & Classroom - A helpful resource for parents, carers, teachers, and early years settings. Why Readers Love This Book A comforting and heartfelt picture book that reassures children they are loved even when apart from the people who care for them most. With its gentle message, relatable experiences, and practical coping strategy, this story is perfect for sharing before starting nursery, preschool, school, or any new adventure. Also available: Thunderboots
** Shortlisted for the Reading Rocks Awards, EYFS category **
"This lovely, sensitive book about making the transition to preschool, school or nursery is a real jewel of a book and will be of great help to parents of little ones...Rebecca Ashdown's illustrations are full of love and tenderness, and Naomi Jones' story reminds little ones that they are always loved, wherever they are." * BookTrust *
"Reassuring, empowering and beautifully told - a warm hug in itself! " * Clare Helen Welsh, founder of Books That Help *
"Written by award-winning duo, author Naomi Jones and illustrator Rebecca Ashdown, this heartwarming and exquisitely illustrated story is filled with comfort and love, offering practical solutions for children missing loved ones, and movingly depicting the trials and triumphs of early childhood. The perfect starter book for schools and nurseries!" * The Lancashire Evening Post *
"This is a sweet story about creativity and family. The illustrations are playful, bright and inclusive, the style works well with the narrative to evoke the creativity, curiosity and empathy of young Matilda. The story may help younger children to prepare for their first day at a new school." * Children's Books Ireland *
"A sweet and thoughtful book, perfect for those first-day preschool jitters." * Rochelle Falconer, author of How To Tame a Mummy MonsterR^ *
"This is a sweet little story that will help little people cope with separation - and we all need a hug button sometimes! Thank goodness Matilda's got hers." * Wendy Meddour, author of Lubna and PebbleR^ *
"The Hug Button is a beautiful book with a big heart and a very comforting message; it's perfect to share with any child who feels a bit daunted about starting nursery or school. Bec Ashdown's bold, colourful and emotive illustrations are an absolute delight." * Helen Docherty, author of The Snatchabook *
"Perfectly paced, The Hug Button is a story about love, resilience, and learning to regulate our emotions. A must for all children going into pre-school." * Marcela Ferreira, author of I Could Be Eaten By a Shark *
"A comforting story full of kindness, creativity and love, certain to reassure any child with leaving-loved-ones worries" * Simon Phillip, children's author of Achoo! *
"A lovely, comforting, cuddle of a book that is perfect for little ones starting somewhere new." * Rebecca Cobb, illustrator of Julia Donaldson's The Everywhere Bear and The Paper Dolls *
"Insightful, powerful, wonderful - just the book every new-starter needs as they navigate nursery and school." * Lu Fraser, author of The Littlest Yak *
ISBN: 9780192794826
Dimensions: 245mm x 245mm x 2mm
Weight: 158g