Book Review: Don't Hug The Quokka!
- Kayelene Kerr Child Safety Educator & Advocate
- Jan 12
- 2 min read
Just because they’re cute, doesn’t mean they want a hug!
Quokkas are often called the happiest animals in the world. Native to Rottnest Island, Western Australia they’re small, friendly-looking and undeniably adorable. The kind of animal that makes you instinctively want to reach out, scoop them up and give them a cuddle.
But Don’t Hug the Quokka! gently challenges that instinct. In doing so, it introduces one of the most important concepts we can teach young children, consent and personal boundaries.
Because just because someone looks friendly, or smiles or seems approachable, doesn’t mean they want to be touched. The story centres on a quokka who clearly says no to being hugged and that “no” is respected. It isn’t questioned, negotiated or dismissed.
For children, this is more than a story about an animal. It’s an early and accessible introduction to bodily autonomy. It helps them understand that they are allowed to decide what happens to their own body, and just as importantly, that other people have that same right.
These are foundational concepts that support children to develop respect, empathy and confidence in their interactions with others.
Importantly, these are not “big conversations” that need to wait until children are older. They happen in everyday moments, at kindy drop-off, during playdates, at family gatherings. Children are constantly learning what is expected, what is acceptable and what is safe.
Books like Don't Hug The Quokka! provide a gentle entry point, making complex ideas easier to understand and talk about.
For adults, it’s an opportunity to model and reinforce simple but powerful messages. We can help children practise asking for permission, respecting boundaries and recognising that a “no” is a complete sentence. In doing so, we are not only supporting respectful relationships, but also strengthening protective factors that contribute to child safety.
Child safety is built on these everyday interactions. It is shaped by the messages children receive about their voice, their choices and their right to be heard. Stories like this help normalise those messages, giving children the language and confidence to speak up when something doesn’t feel right.
Don't Hug The Quokka!
About Kayelene Kerr & eSafeKids
eSafeKids is a social enterprise founded by Kayelene Kerr. Kayelene is recognised as one of Australia’s most experienced specialist providers of Protective Behaviours, Body Safety, Cyber Safety, Digital Wellness and Pornography Literacy education workshops. Kayelene has featured on Australian and international television broadcasts, radio programs and in print media.
eSafeKids books can support educators teaching protective behaviours and child abuse prevention education that aligns with the Western Australian Curriculum, Australian Curriculum, Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Framework: National Quality Standards (NQS).
