Don't Hug That Quokka!

    By HOUCINE

    Don't Hug That Quokka! cover image

    23 May, 2024

    a painting of a brown bear sitting in the grass with mountains in the background and rocks in the foreground, sots art, an illustration of, Chris LaBrooy, official art

    Our friendly quokka, Quito, lived in the beautiful landscapes of Australia. He loved hopping around, munching on his favorite eucalyptus leaves.

    a painting of a groundhog standing on its hind legs in a forest with a bird flying overhead and a forest background, sots art, an illustration of, Chris LaBrooy, official art

    One sunny day, a young boy named Billy visited Quito's habitat. Billy was fascinated by the adorable quokka and wanted to give him a hug.

    a painting of a bear in a field of flowers and cows in the background, with a sky background, furry art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, official art

    Billy extended his arms to hug Quito. However, Quito, startled, hopped away. Billy was confused. He thought all creatures enjoyed hugs like him.

    a cartoon character is hugging a small animal in a forest with trees and grass in the background, with a city in the distance, furry art, a comic book panel, Chris LaBrooy, official art

    Billy tried again, but Quito hopped further away. Billy felt sad. He didn't understand why Quito didn't want a hug.

    a girl petting a small animal in a room with potted plants and a window with a view, photorealism, a hyperrealistic painting, Chris LaBrooy, cgstudio

    Seeing Billy's confusion, his mom came over. She gently explained, 'Billy, not everyone, or every animal, likes to be hugged.'

    a painting of a boy and a girl sitting at a table looking at a book together, with a window in the background, american realism, a storybook illustration, F Scott Hess, professional digital painting

    'But why, Mom?' Billy asked. His mom explained, 'Just like you don't like broccoli, some creatures don't like hugs. It's about what they feel comfortable with.'

    a little girl standing next to a big brown animal and a baby fox standing next to it on a dirt road, sots art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, official art

    Billy looked at Quito. 'So, I should ask Quito if he wants a hug?' he asked. His mom smiled, 'Yes, Billy. That's called consent.'

    a boy holding a teddy bear in a street with a building in the background and a person standing on the sidewalk, furry art, a storybook illustration, Diego Gisbert Llorens, official art

    From then on, Billy understood that he needed to ask before hugging someone. He learned to respect others' personal space, even if they were as cute as Quito.

    a boy is petting a small animal in the forest with a forest background and trees and bushes behind him, sots art, a storybook illustration, Chris LaBrooy, storybook illustration

    Billy approached Quito again, this time with his hand extended. 'Can I pet you, Quito?' he asked. Quito, feeling comfortable, allowed Billy to pet him.

    a boy sitting on a log with a dog in the woods behind him and a forest full of red flowers, sots art, a storybook illustration, Aaron Jasinski, storybook illustration

    Billy's mom was happy. Billy had learned an important lesson about consent. She knew he would remember this lesson every time he met a new creature.

    two bears walking in the woods with a backpack on their back and a backpack on their back, with a mountain in the background, furry art, concept art, Brothers Hildebrandt, official art

    Billy and Quito spent the rest of the day exploring the beautiful Australian landscape. They had fun together, respecting each other's comfort and personal space.

    a boy and a girl are standing next to a bear in a field with a sunset in the background, sots art, a storybook illustration, Brothers Hildebrandt, kinkade

    And so, the day ended with a beautiful sunset and a new friendship. Billy had not only made a new friend but also learned a valuable lesson about respect and consent.