A Huge Hug - Jérôme Ruillier

This is a simple picture book that articulates and illustrates the emotions children feel when their parents separate; for young readers of all ages because this is a very difficult time and can be confusing, sad, joyous, and everything in between. 

Beautifully illustrated and simply told, this heartfelt story illustrates the emotions children feel when their parents separate. Combining straightforward sentences with the bright and bold-coloured circles symbolising the family members, the gentle message is easily identifiable to children and invites dialogue during story time reading. From the familiarity of being surrounded by one's parents to the distress felt during their divorce, and then to the anger giving way to acceptance of the new situation, the emotional journey culminates with the realisation that love persists and even blooms in the new extended family. This is a very difficult time for children and can be confusing, sad, joyous, and everything in between. This powerful message expresses no judgment so the child and the parent always feel good, even when the family environment changes. 

About the Author

Jerome Ruillier studied at the Decorative Arts in Strasbourg and now lives in France, where he divides his time between his two passions: drawing and the mountains. He is a prolific children's book illustrator, has written and illustrated several instructive children's books, and is the author of several graphic novels. Each of his titles is an invitation to listen and share to help us recognize the differences and denounce the exclusions.