Book Nook - The Hug

 People with non-apparent disabilities and invisible illnesses face a range of challenges, including a lack of understanding, difficulty getting accommodations, feeling like they need to prove themselves, social isolation, dealing with chronic pain and fatigue, stigma and discrimination, and financial challenges. Because what they’re suffering from is not visible, it often leads to misunderstandings, lack of empathy, and difficulty in obtaining necessary support. This can result in social isolation, financial struggles, and difficulties in obtaining and maintaining employment. These challenges can have a significant impact on their daily lives and well-being.

 

In his new book, “The Hug,” author Warne Towner uses the power of fiction to help children understand the impacts of non-apparent disabilities and invisible illnesses. Then book also highlights how children can be empathic toward and offer help to those who suffer from said illnesses and disabilities.

 

 

SYNOPSIS

Sammy is a sloth living deep in the Amazon rainforest's heart. She’s looking forward to her weekend of swimming and fun, but an unexpected visit to her uncle means Sammy’s weekend will be very different than she thought.

 

After visiting her uncle, Sammy is confused and her parents must explain to her that not all illnesses can be seen, this shocks and saddens Sammy. So, her mum teaches her that sometimes when someone is feeling bad just giving them a hug can be the best medicine. The next day Sammy asks if they can go visit her uncle again but this time, she brings a drawing of her and her uncle hugging to make him happy even when she’s not there. This makes the uncle emotional, but he explains to her she never has to do anything for him just seeing her makes him happy.

 

“It is important to me that children understand that if they have a relative or friend that is unwell, sometimes just a hug or even drawing a picture can be the best type of medicine,” explains the author. “Adults and children alike can relate to how powerful a hug from someone they love can be. It can fill their heart and replace any illness, disease or gloom that is plaguing them with a  moment of warmth.”

 

Reviews about the book have been excellent. One reader comments, “This book deals with some serious topics such as invisible illness and disability in a really empathic way. Knowing that the author writes from personal experience makes it all the more meaningful, and I would recommend that every library and school have this book in stock. It teaches kids empathy, humility, and how to support peers going through hard times while still being fun and playful. Also the art is unbelievably beautiful, who doesn't love adorable baby sloths?”

 

Another review states, “I bought this book to read to my almost 3-year-olds. They absolutely adored it. They were glued and didn’t move until it finished. They interacted with the story and loved the illustrations. This book is brilliant for helping children understand some illnesses you can’t always see in such a way children can understand. I highly recommend this book. You won't be disappointed.”

 

The Hug is available on Amazon UK: https://amzn.eu/d/b3EpUjK.

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Warne Towner is a budding new author From Tonbridge, Kent. Towner wants to use his own experience growing up and living with disabilities to write stories to help not only people like him but also those around them. Warne believes in the inspirational power of fiction and how it helps change the reader’s perception of the world. This is the first book he has released, and he has another children’s book and novel in the pipeline to continue inspiring further readers. Changing the perception of disabilities for even one person would mark a significant milestone in Warnes’s career.

Any enquiries can be sent to: wctowner1@gmail.com or @warnetownerauthor on Instagram.