Can I Give You a Squish?

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.

Author: Emily Neilson
Publisher: Dial Books
Published: 06/09/2020
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 8.60h x 11.20w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781984814777
Audience: Ages 4-8

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 03/15/2020
School Library Journal 05/01/2020 pg. 43
Publishers Weekly 06/22/2020
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 06/01/2020

About the Author
Emily Neilson is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, now working at an animation studio in Portland, Oregon. This is her first book.