Specsavers Children's Book of the Year (Junior)

Winner 2021

A Hug For You by David King

A Hug For You

By David King

 - Illustrated by Rhiannon Archard

Nothing warms us up quite like a hug, but what can we do when we can’t be together?

This is the story of a new hug’s adventure and the boy who shared it with the world.

Adam King stole the hearts of the nation when he introduced us to his Virtual Hug, a heart-shaped sign he carried during the COVID-19 pandemic to help him stay connected to his teacher while he was learning from home. He also took it to his regular hospital appointments to show his doctors, nurses, and care staff that he was still giving them a hug, just in a different way.

This picture book, inspired by true events, tells the story of one little boy with a big idea that came straight from the heart. The virtual hug makes its way onto mugs, postage stamps and even all the way to outer space, spreading warmth and connection to people all over the world.

About David King...

David King is a children’s author and education professional. His first children’s book But Really . . . Adventures with a Difference was published in 2019. He lives in East Cork with his wife and five children.
Twitter: @DavidKingIRL

Rhiannon Archard is a Welsh artist. She studied Illustration at Camberwell College of Arts and creates illustrations using gouache, watercolour, colour pencils, lino printing and ceramics. She lives with her daughter in the Kentish countryside.

Explore the 2021 winners

Teen & Young Adult Book of the Year
Writing.ie Short Story of the Year
Listowel Writers' Week Poem of the Year
Specsavers Children's Book of the Year (Senior)
Irish Independent Crime Fiction Book of the Year
National Book Tokens Popular Fiction Book of the Year
Eason Novel of the Year
RTÉ Audience Choice Award
Sunday Independent Newcomer of the Year
Eason Sports Book of the Year, in association with Ireland AM
Bookselling Ireland Cookbook of the Year
Bookstation Lifestyle Book of the Year
Bookselling Ireland Biography of the Year
Dubray Non-Fiction Book of the Year
TheJournal.ie Best Irish Published Book of the Year
Foras na Gaeilge Irish Language Fiction Book of the Year Award
Library Association of Ireland Author of the Year