Waffles and Julius: No Hugs Please

by Vere, Ed | Interest age: from c 3 years
Published 04/06/2026 by Penguin Random House Children's UK (Puffin) in the United Kingdom
Paperback | 32 pages
279 x 213 x 5mm | 174g

Introducing Waffles and Julius: a new grumpy/sunshine duo and the stars of this brilliantly funny, brand-new picture book. Focused on friendship and respecting each other’s differences, No Hugs Please comes from the mind of Ed Vere, the bestselling creator of Max the Brave and How to Be a Lion. Meet Waffles and Julius. Waffles loves hugs. Julius does not. Waffles would very much like to hug his friend Julius. Julius, however, prefers other things: most notably, cat-naps. But definitely not hugs. Waffles will wait until Julius is ready. It won't be so hard...will it? (Yes...it will.) Will Waffles get a hug? “Vere presents the classic cat-and-dog conflict with humor that primarily comes through his colorful mixed-media illustrations.The playful text makes for a lively read-aloud. Underneath the silliness is a welcome lesson about patience, respecting boundaries, and accepting others as they are.” - The Horn Book Magazine.