While We Can’t Hug, written by Eoin McLaughlin and tenderly illustrated by Polly Dunbar – the bestselling picture book, perfect for children trying to understand separation from loved ones.
Hedgehog and Tortoise were the best of friends.
They wanted to give each other a great, big hug.
But they weren’t allowed to touch.
“Don’t worry,” said Owl. “There are lots of ways to show someone you love them.”
A Hedgehog & Friends sequel to The Hug was already at the creative stage when the covid 19 pandemic hit in 2020. With hugging suddenly off the menu, someone joked perhaps the next book should be ‘The Wave’… And While We Can’t Hug was born.
A beautiful, timely book trailer by publisher Faber hit the mood of the time, and was viewed all over the world.
And on Christmas Day 2020, with families across the UK facing an unexpected lockdown and Christmas away from family and friends, a reading was broadcast on BBC TV.
This picture book came out of the unique circumstances of 2020, but has continued relevance far beyond it.
Precious – but timely and comforting all the same
— Kirkus
The tender simplicity of While We Can’t Hug pairs Eoin McLaughlin’s text with Polly Dunbar’s rosy-cheeked images
— The Guardian
An important historical record of the time
— The Times
Delicate watercolour illustrations, full of expression, are teamed with a timely and charming story, making this a real winner
— Irish Independent
While We Can’t Hug was first published by Faber in 2020. As the world started to open up, The Longer the Wait the Bigger the Hug followed. And now The Roar follows in 2022.
Both Polly and Eoin are represented by James at The Catchpole Agency. We’ve written more about the series – from an agent’s perspective – on our blog.