Can I Give You a Squish?

Kai is a little mer-boy who’s big on hugs—or “squishes,” as he and his mama call them. But not everyone’s a fan of Kai’s spirited embrace, which he discovers soon after squishing a puffer fish, who swells up in fright! Kai feels awful; but with the help of his friends, he figures out another way to show his affection, and everyone demonstrates their preferred ways of being greeted. Because, as Kai realizes, “Every fish likes their own kind of squish.” 

Can I Give You a Squish? is a sweet story that helps young readers understand that not everyone feels comfortable getting a hug. When Kai learns this lesson, he feels really sad, but with the help of his friends, Kai discovers that there are other ways to show affection, including fist bumps, tail claps, tentacle shakes, and even a claw pinch. The short, simple story teaches readers the importance of respecting other people’s boundaries. 

One of the best parts of the book is the illustrations, which are beautiful and full of humor. Almost every page features Kai’s friends: an octopus, a dolphin, and a crab. The sea creatures’ facial expressions do an amazing job of showing emotions. For example, when Kai hugs the puffer fish, the octopus is grabbing hold of kelp, his eyebrows are lowered in a look of concern, and he is partly covering his eyes. Readers will love looking at all of the small details in the pictures, such as the snails floating in bubbles, the sea urchins hiding among the coral, and the colorful fish throughout. 

Can I Give You a Squish? will quickly become a favorite story thanks to its positive message and cute illustrations. Plus, with only a few short sentences on each page, it’s the perfect length for a bedtime story. While the story’s message is intended for younger children, it is engaging enough to entertain elementary-age readers. Explore more ocean-themed books that teach positive lessons by reading Pout-Pout Fish Adventure Series, Clark the Shark, and The Three Little Fish and the Big Bad Shark. 

Sexual Content  

• None 

Violence  

• None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

• None

Language  

• None 

Supernatural 

• None 

Spiritual Content  

• None