It's Matilda's first day at The Meadows and she's very excited. But when Mummy goes to say goodbye, Matilda isn't happy. She doesn't want Mummy to go. The next day, Mummy has a helpful suggestion. She draws two hug buttons-one on Matilda's wrist and one on her own. Then, when Matilda wants a hug, or wants to give one, she can press the hug button and know that Mummy is thinking about her too. From the award-winning duo, Naomi Jones and Rebecca Ashdown, comes a warm embrace of a book about learning to cope with separation.

** Shortlisted for the Reading Rocks Awards, EYFS category **
"This lovely, sensitive book about making the transition to preschool, school or nursery is a real jewel of a book and will be of great help to parents of little ones...Rebecca Ashdown's illustrations are full of love and tenderness, and Naomi Jones' story reminds little ones that they are always loved, wherever they are." * BookTrust *
"Reassuring, empowering and beautifully told - a warm hug in itself! " * Clare Helen Welsh, founder of Books That Help *
"Written by award-winning duo, author Naomi Jones and illustrator Rebecca Ashdown, this heartwarming and exquisitely illustrated story is filled with comfort and love, offering practical solutions for children missing loved ones, and movingly depicting the trials and triumphs of early childhood. The perfect starter book for schools and nurseries!" * The Lancashire Evening Post *
"This is a sweet story about creativity and family. The illustrations are playful, bright and inclusive, the style works well with the narrative to evoke the creativity, curiosity and empathy of young Matilda. The story may help younger children to prepare for their first day at a new school." * Children's Books Ireland *
"A sweet and thoughtful book, perfect for those first-day preschool jitters." * Rochelle Falconer, author of How To Tame a Mummy MonsterR^ *
"This is a sweet little story that will help little people cope with separation - and we all need a hug button sometimes! Thank goodness Matilda's got hers." * Wendy Meddour, author of Lubna and PebbleR^ *
"The Hug Button is a beautiful book with a big heart and a very comforting message; it's perfect to share with any child who feels a bit daunted about starting nursery or school. Bec Ashdown's bold, colourful and emotive illustrations are an absolute delight." * Helen Docherty, author of The Snatchabook *
"Perfectly paced, The Hug Button is a story about love, resilience, and learning to regulate our emotions. A must for all children going into pre-school." * Marcela Ferreira, author of I Could Be Eaten By a Shark *
"A comforting story full of kindness, creativity and love, certain to reassure any child with leaving-loved-ones worries" * Simon Phillip, children's author of Achoo! *
"A lovely, comforting, cuddle of a book that is perfect for little ones starting somewhere new." * Rebecca Cobb, illustrator of Julia Donaldson's The Everywhere Bear and The Paper Dolls *
"Insightful, powerful, wonderful - just the book every new-starter needs as they navigate nursery and school." * Lu Fraser, author of The Littlest Yak *

Naomi Jones spent five years selling children's books rights before embarking on a career as a freelance writer. She currently also works as a freelance industry editor, and reviews children's books for the award-winning family travel website Mini Travellers. Having studied illustration at Westminster University and Central Saint Martins, Rebecca has worked as a graphic designer, vector illustrator and motion graphics artist, before becoming a full-time illustrator. Her books have been shortlisted for several awards including the Sheffield Book Award, the Kate Greenaway Medal, the Portsmouth Book Award and Hillingdon Picture Book of the Year.