Reviews

Can I Give You a Squish? by Emily Neilson

tessie72's review

4.0

Nice illustrations. Good story topic (personal space)

bluenicorn's review

4.0

This is such a great book for introducing the idea of consent without being too serious or making it about a topic that can be scary to kids. Because consent is about more than sex and dating- it's the idea of body autonomy. Not all kids or adults want hugs or to be touched- it's a great message. And even though they're fish, I love that it provides some alternatives to hugs.

heisereads's review

5.0

A super cute picture book & fantastic way to teach consent to kids.

rhodesee's review

4.0

This book is a great way to talk about consent with little ones.

livinthelibrarianlife's review

5.0

I absolutely adored this book! As a non “squisher” myself this is a book I wish was around when I was younger! Teaching children (and adults!) about personal space and ASKING before touching is just what we need more of!

emeelee's review

5.0

I love this adorable story about a young merman learning to ask permission for physical contact and respecting the other creatures' answer!! Although the message is very clear, the story is not a joyless moral lesson, but rather a sweet tale about friendship with beautiful illustrations.

Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this eARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review!

netsrik94's review

5.0

I cannot think of any cuter way to talk about boundaries than this beautifully illustrated story.

librarianintransit's review

4.0

Great books about boundaries and consent for kids with ethnic mer-persons

sabrina_u_witch's review

5.0

A freaking adorable. This is fantastic! Neilson serves up a merboy who loves squishes and who quickly learns not all his friends do. Similar to Coral by Molly Idle, the mermaid illustrations are healthy representations of bodies and gender. Gentle in hue with detail that makes looking at the book as fun as reading the book. Kids will have a blast learning different ways to say "hello friend" without squishes. And learning when squishes are okay. Great for social and emotional development. Great tool. And a cute book.

mariathelibrarian's review

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0