Hugs Still Feel the Same

When a little girl and her family are evacuated from their town during a severe flood, it feels like life has been turned upside down. Nothing is the same anymore… except how it feels when Mum, Dad and Teddy hug her. A story of hope, resilience, and finding comfort in the familiar – perfect for children experiencing times of change or distress. “An encouraging story about hope and positivity even in the darkest of times.” “What a beautiful, gentle yet powerful book this is. Told with a strong sense of peace and comfort, this story is perfect for young children needing to make sense of trauma or life challenges – from a natural disaster event through to things like moving house or changing schools.” “In these times of climate change, there are many unpredictable events which may affect the environment in different ways. This picture book uses the event of a flood to build a reassuring book that may comfort young children who have worries or concerns.”

A beautifully illustrated, reassuring story about finding comfort in the familiar when life turns upside down. Perfect for children experiencing big changes, from moving house to the trauma of a natural disaster.

In Hugs Still Feel the Same, life is thrown into turmoil for a little girl and her family when their home is flooded. The water builds and builds until the whole town must be evacuated in the night. In the darkness, with only torches to light the way and their home left behind, it feels like all they have left is each other. But maybe that’s the most important thing. 

This gentle and empowering story was inspired by the author’s real-life experience of the severe flooding that engulfed the Northern Rivers of NSW, Australia in 2022. During 6 months as a volunteer for the flood recovery efforts, she witnessed the distress and trauma caused to many families who lost their homes. Finding the beautiful amongst the chaos was incredibly important, and there was little more comforting than a hug from a loved one.

Hugs Still Feel the Same is a story of resilience and hope in the face of life’s difficulties. It explores the impact of big changes and trauma, providing a tool for parents and carers to help children through distressing times. It is a big-hearted reminder that even when life feels scary and unknown, it’s possible to find comfort if we know where to look.

• | Author: Kiralee Strong, Jenni Barrand
• | Publisher: Exisle Publishing
• | Publication Date: Mar 05, 2025
• | Number of Pages:
• | Language:
• | Binding: Hardback
• | ISBN-13: 9781922539960
• | ISBN-10: 1922539961