The Hug Button
by Naomi Jones, illustrated by Rebecca Ashdown
Interest age: 4 to 5
Reading age: 4+
Published by Oxford University Press, 2025
About this book
Matilda is excited to start at The Meadows on the first day: she and Mummy sing songs and jump over puddles on the way there.
But when it’s time to say goodbye to Mummy, Matilda doesn’t want her to go, so Mummy draws a little circle on Matilda’s wrist and tells her it’s a hug button. Whenever Matilda feels sad, she can press the button and it will send a hug to Mummy. And Mummy also has a button, which will send Matilda hugs while she is away.
At The Meadows, Matilda finds it difficult not to miss Mummy, but pressing the hug button helps her not to feel so alone, and she slowly finds that she can focus on having fun with the other children.
As she gets used to being away from Mummy, Matilda finds she needs the hug button less and less – until she sees a little boy who is starting at The Meadows and is finding it hard to say goodbye to his Dad.
This lovely, sensitive book about making the transition to nursery, pre-school or school is a real jewel of a book and will be of great help to parents of little ones who are finding the transition to being away from home difficult.
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.
More books like this
-
Lulu’s First Day
by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw
2 to 7 years
-
The Perfect Fit
by Naomi Jones, illustrated by James Jones
3 to 7 years
-
Thunder Boots
by Naomi Jones, illustrated by Rebecca Ashdown
4 to 7 years
-
Kid Rex to the Rescue
by Mayo Agard-Olubo, illustrated by Diane Ewen
3 to 7 years
Lists of recommended reads
-
Picture books to support a healthy mind
We've put together a selection of picture books that can help young children to start to understand mental health and support a healthy mind. They include titles that touch on sadness, anxiety and finding courage and reassurance, and are books which can help to supply useful strategies and support a growth mindset.
-
Favourite picture books about love
There's nothing quite like the bond between a carer and their child, and these picture books beautifully explore that unconditional love. So whether you're cuddling with your child before bed or just want to relax with an adorable tale, we've chosen some books that are bound to make your storytime even more heartwarming than normal.
-
All about starting school or nursery
Some of our favourite books for children who are starting school. Whether they're nervous or excited, these books are perfect for preparing your little ones for that big step.