I Need a Hug is part of our Starts With a Story Collection, which includes more than 550 picture book companions based on high quality children’s literature that support you in delivering highly-engaging interactive read alouds with follow up activities. Learn more about this children’s book below! - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
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SUMMARY
"I Need a Hug" by Aaron Blabey is a heartwarming tale about a little porcupine named Porcupine who is in desperate need of a hug. Porcupine is feeling sad and lonely, and he believes that a hug will make everything better. However, his attempts to receive a hug from various animals fail due to his prickly exterior. Feeling rejected, Porcupine starts to lose hope until he encounters someone who understands and appreciates him just the way he is. This unexpected friendship teaches Porcupine the power of acceptance and self-love, showing him that he doesn't need to change to feel loved and valued. With its delightful illustrations and relatable message, "I Need a Hug" reminds readers of the importance of empathy, acceptance, and finding comfort in unexpected places.
 USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Our read aloud lesson plans for this picture book come with reading comprehension questions (with sample student responses), 30 writing prompts, teaching ideas for grammar skills, social emotional learning discussion ideas, and more. Check out our list below to get a sneak peek at some of the skills this resource teaches.
- Analyze the illustrations in the story. Discuss how they provide meaning that the words might not.
- Discuss the author’s use of rhyme and rhythm in this book.
- Have students sequence the important events in the story. This is an important skill when it comes to retelling a story.
- Introduce and act out action verbs.
- Teach a lesson on the different types of sentences.
- Discuss friendship and the qualities that make a good friend.
- Discuss patience with students and share strategies they can use to be more patient.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30Â writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
This book is a must have for your school or classroom library. Your students are going to love completing these activities for the book and you will be impressed with how much they learn. You will want to read this book to your class every year.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will love the similar books listed below, which can all be found in our free picture book list.
- Nobody Hugs a Cactus by Carter Goodrich
- Hug it Out by Louis Thomas
- Bird Hugs by Ged Adamson
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
