Hugs Still Feel the Same

A beautifully illustrated, reassuring story about finding comfort in the
familiar when life turns upside down. Perfect for children experiencing big
changes, from moving house to the trauma of a natural disaster.

In Hugs Still Feel the Same, life is thrown into turmoil for a

little girl and her family when their home is flooded. The water builds and
builds until the whole town must be evacuated in the night. In the darkness,
with only flashlights to light the way and their home left behind, it feels
like all they have left is each other. But maybe that’s the most important thing.

This gentle and empowering story was inspired by the author’s real-life

experience of the severe flooding that engulfed parts of Australia in 2022.
During six months as a volunteer for the flood recovery efforts, she witnessed
the distress and trauma caused to many families who lost their homes. Finding
the beautiful amongst the chaos was incredibly important, and there was little
more comforting than a hug from a loved one.

Hugs Still Feel the Same is a story of resilience and hope in the face

of life’s difficulties. It explores the impact of big changes and trauma,
providing a tool for parents and carers to help children through distressing
times. It is a big-hearted reminder that even when life feels scary and unknown,
it’s possible to find comfort if we know where to look.

Kiralee Strong is a passionate writer with a goal to bring joy and inspire imagination in children
and adults. She is excited by the challenge of bringing more of her stories to
life and loves to write heartfelt books that encourage conversations.

Hugs Still Feel the Same is Kiralee’s first picture book. She wrote it as an emotional response
to the stories and trauma she witnessed as a volunteer during the recovery
efforts for the floods in the Northern Rivers of NSW in 2022.

Kiralee lives in Evans Head, NSW, Australia with her husband and four children.

Jenni Barrand is a children’s art
teacher with a passion for helping kids learn all the amazing different ways of
creating art. She loves walking and exploring in nature whilst listening to her
favourite music.

Hugs Still Feel the Same is Jenni’s second
picture book. Her first is Some Families Change, written by Jess
Galatola (EK Books, 2024).

Jenni grew up in South East London and now lives
on the Northern Beaches of Sydney with a husband, two kids, one cat and three
guinea pigs.