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librarydreams's review
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The cutest book about bodily autonomy that gives an array of options for people who don't want a squish (though you'll have to translate those options to human forms, it's pretty clear what each is meant to be). Whether you have a kid who hugs everyone without asking, a kid who hates hugs, or a kid who's somewhere in between, this book is perfect.
jaij7's review
5.0
Merpeople, squishes, personal space, and understanding others...what’s not to love about Can I Give You a Squish?
beths0103's review
5.0
If you’re looking for a book to talk with kids about the concept of consent that is instructive but not overly didactic, look no further than CAN I GIVE YOU A SQUISH.
adriagoetz's review
5.0
*Beautiful* illustrations and a very gentle, fun way of exploring the idea of consent.
rryep's review
*Psychology - Emotion, *Consent, Bodily Autonomy
+Myth characters - mermaids
+Myth characters - mermaids
drcbooks's review
4.0
Loved the simple clear text and short format. Teaches an important concept in a way kids will love.
mjfmjfmjf's review
4.0
Extremely well done children's picture book which is basically on consent. It does almost no tell, it is all show. It could have been overbearing but instead it was sweet. And the art was nice and the text as well. This one didn't knock me over, which might say more about me than the book. But it was really good. 4.5 of 5.
katymul's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The illustrations are beautiful, and they capture so much complex emotion for each underwater animal. It is truly remarkable. The sea and area are also beautiful, but the characterizations get me every time. The story manages to make an often fraught topic not just kid-appropriate but feel lighthearted. So much of the discussion of consent is necessarily intense, but by tying it to friendship and comfort, this book manages to make the first discussions feel warm and safe to have. I also appreciate the perspective of the person carelessly violating consent as a key focus of the story. As the merperson runs around hugging joyfully, he stumbles upon a pufferfish who is triggered into fight (puff) or flight response -- and is gently corrected by all of his friends as they find ways of expressing affection that make each other feel loved. It makes it safe to ask for personal space, different forms of affection, and to have been wrong but grow and change.