Hugging Hour!

Reach for this book when your child is preparing for their first overnight stay away from home or is experiencing separation anxiety about a parent's return. It provides a gentle, relatable framework for children who feel a sense of 'forever' when a parent says goodbye, helping them understand that physical distance does not mean a loss of love or safety. The story follows Drew (who humorously insists on being called 'Drool') as she navigates a sleepover at her grandmother's house. While Grandma's home is filled with warmth and familiar faces like her brother and cousin, Drew's internal monologue is dominated by the 'what-ifs' of her parents' return. Through family routines and the comforting concept of 'Hugging Hour,' the book validates a child's deep worry while modeling how to find security in the care of other trusted family members. It is an ideal choice for preschoolers and early elementary students who need to see their big feelings reflected with humor and empathy.