The Hug Button

A heartwarming story to comfort and empower children facing separation anxiety.

Starting something new, like the first day of school or daycare, can feel big and overwhelming for a little one. The Hug Button is a beautifully tender picture book thoughtfully written as a celebration of love and support, designed to help children feel safe, seen, and connected even when apart from the ones they love most.

Meet Halle, a spirited little girl who does everything with her mom. But when it's time to head off to her first day of school, Halle feels a wave of worry. What if she needs her mom and she's not there? How will she manage such a big change all by herself?

That's when her mom shares a magical secret: the Hug Button.

This gentle, reassuring story offers children a tangible way to manage the fear and uncertainty that comes with separation. Perfect for ages 2-7, The Hug Button is an ideal tool for parents, caregivers, and educators to introduce during transitional moments such as starting school, daycare, or even navigating travel and time apart.

Inspired by a real experience between a mother and daughter, this story has already brought comfort to families navigating similar challenges. If your child is struggling with separation anxiety, this simple yet powerful practice could become your own special way of staying connected.

With soothing language and a heartfelt message, The Hug Button reminds children that they are always loved, even when apart-and helps them build the confidence to take on new experiences with bravery and warmth.

Because sometimes, all it takes is a press of a button to feel close to the ones we love.

"The hug button is an incredibly helpful tool that families and education teams can use to support children navigate the big transitions in life; like starting kindergarten, childcare and school. Focusing on attachment theory and the important foundations that caregivers are consistently returning its woven into a beautifully written story.

I am looking forward to suggesting this wonderfully illustrated story to families and education teams"

Harriet Kariko - Paediatric Occupational Therapist, School Readiness Clinician and Circle of Security Facilitator.