The first children’s book that helps youngsters understand the importance of social distancing is now available at BarnesandNoble.com, Target.com, and other sites. Authored by public health specialist Carol Winner, MSE MPH and illustrated by award-winning Lorna Murphy, “What Do I Do With My Hugs?” intended to start the conversation with children about personal space and allay their fears when there is a change in needs. It also promotes kindness, empathy, and compassion. Winner started the social distancing movement five years ago — long before COVID-19. Her company sells merchandise and accessories emblazoned with the words, “give space” so wearers easily communicate their need for physical distance. You can purchase the book or other merchandise at www.givespacepeach.com.
The first children’s book that helps youngsters understand the importance of social distancing and establishing personal space boundaries is now available at BarnesandNoble.com, Target.com and other sites. Authored by public health specialist Carol Winner, MSE MPH, and illustrated by award-winning Lorna Murphy, “What Do I Do With My Hugs?" is an interactive book that follows its main character, Lily, who doesn’t understand why her grandmother, Mimi, no longer gives her warm hugs. After revealing the reason, the two learn to show their love in new ways.
Winner says the book is intended to start the conversation with children about personal space needs and help allay their fears when there is a change. It also promotes values like kindness, empathy and compassion.
“As we're all practicing social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that concept can be confusing to children. I wrote this book, in part, because it is so important for them to understand the need and value of setting personal boundaries. How close is too close? Should I ask if it’s OK to give someone a hug before doing so? How will getting too close affect my relationships?” says Winner. “Teaching children about personal space boundaries will help them navigate their own needs in relation to others, which is essential for maintaining healthy relationships.”
"What Do I Do With My Hugs?" ($14.99 and $19.99) was written, edited, illustrated, and designed by women committed to enhancing children's lives through education and play. Though the book is timely given worldwide social distancing, it was actually inspired by Winner's own personal experience in dealing with personal space long before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“My mom was a cancer survivor and it left her with a compromised immune system. Her doctor would tell her not to get too physically close to others. But, my mom was a ‘hugger’ and didn’t want to offend friends and family so she kept hugging, but that only made her sicker," Winner recalls. “I was frustrated, so I decided to use my 30 years of healthcare experience to create a company that would promote social distancing. Now, our worldwide trademarked symbol, a Peach, and kind message, “give space,” is emblazoned on a line of merchandise and accessories that help wearers signal their need for physical distance,” Winner said. "Everyone has the right to decide when, how or even whether or not they want to be touched.”
For more information or to order the book straight from Winner's give space company, visit www.givespacepeach.com.
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