A Paper Hug

by Stephanie Skolmoski, Anneliese Bennion (Illustrator)

Have you ever said good-bye to someone very dear? Here's a story about a little boy who figured out the best gift to give his dad who was leaving to serve his country . . . a paper hug.

Genres: Military Fiction, Picture Books

Paperback

First published June 12, 2006

About the author

Stephanie knows first hand what it’s like to have family away for the holidays. Family packages and letters drew them close when her two sons served in Iraq & Germany. She loves to write – whether it’s writing in journals, short stories, poetry or children’s musicals. Besides raising five wonderful children, Stephanie has spent many years working with children and helping them love the arts. She has a degree in music and design.

Reviews

[Jayetta Carter-mcfarlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This deployment book will help children understand how the family can function in the absence of a deployed parent. This book can be used in an art lesson or as math activity. For an art activity, the children can do like the story's main character; each child can make a cut of of their two hand prints. Then for the math activity, they can be grouped with a partner to measure the distance around their upper torso, then cut a long string to match the meausrement to hold the two hands together. They can present the project to their own parents or guardians as they explain to their loved ones, when they want to feel their child's hug, they should wrap the child's (symbolic) hands around them. I would use this book for all grades,but the math and art activity and their symbolic meaning would probably be best for grades 3-5.

[Traci Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this simple story with its sweet message. We read this to a group of Army kids at an FRG meeting then made paper hugs to send to our Soldiers in Iraq. We included a note with an excerpt from the book ...

When you’re feeling lonely
And you need a little lift …
Wrap these hands of mine around you
And you’ll feel my special gift.

I know you’re far away
And I know you’ll need a hug.
Until you’re home one day
These hands will keep you snug.

Tuck them in your pocket
And keep them ‘til you’re through.
I love you oh so much,
So here’s a hug from me to you!

It was a simple, fun, meaningful activity for our kids and the Soldiers enjoyed getting a special note from their kids!

http://pinterest.com/myarmylife/a-pap...

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a neat idea! A paper hug!

A child helps pack a box of his dad's favorite things to take as he deploys. Not only is the child involved but creates a special gift that his dad will treasure during his year long deployment.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved the hand-made craft and items packed for the parent leaving to serve our country.

[Sandybear76 · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good book to read to kids when their parent is sent overseas to war.