{"product_id":"the-playground-is-like-a-jungle-shona-innes","title":"The Playground Is Like a Jungle | A Big Hug Book","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe playground is the first place most children have to work people out on their own. No adult sorting it, no rules explained, just a lot of other children all having their own day. \u003cstrong\u003eThe Playground Is Like a Jungle\u003c\/strong\u003e takes that seriously and gently, comparing it to setting off into a jungle full of different creatures, exciting and a little bit wild.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eShona Innes is a clinical and forensic psychologist, and the Big Hug Book series grew out of letters she wrote to children and families after their sessions. Each book began with a real child and a real problem, which is why they avoid the tidy moralising that this kind of picture book often falls into. Here she encourages children to notice the moods and behaviour of others, to understand that people are simply different rather than good or bad, and to make thoughtful choices about who they play with and when. Illustrated by Írisz Agócs across 32 pages at a generous 228 by 228mm.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat age is it for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt suits roughly four to eight year olds, particularly children starting school or moving to a new one. The language is simple enough to read aloud to a younger child while the ideas hold up for an older reader working something out on their own.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs it about bullying?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eNot directly. It is broader and more useful than that, focusing on reading social situations and choosing playmates wisely rather than on any single problem. That makes it a good book to have on the shelf before it is needed rather than after.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt makes a thoughtful gift for a child starting school, a birthday, or for a family navigating a change, and it is often just as helpful for the adult reading it aloud. Find more in the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fluxboutique.co.nz\/collections\/books\"\u003eBooks collection\u003c\/a\u003e, and browse the rest of our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fluxboutique.co.nz\/collections\/gift-ideas-for-girls\"\u003egifts for girls\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/fluxboutique.co.nz\/collections\/gift-ideas-for-boys\"\u003egifts for boys\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWritten by a clinical and forensic psychologist with years of experience helping children\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGentle, direct language that opens conversations rather than closing them\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarm illustrations by Írisz Agócs across 32 pages\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEncourages tolerance, observation and thoughtful choices\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePart of the well-regarded Big Hug Book series\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow to Share It\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eRead it together rather than handing it over. The value is in the conversation it starts, so pause where something lands and let them talk. It sits well on a bedside shelf within reach, and the square format stacks neatly with other picture books. Keep it accessible rather than filed away, since children tend to return to these on their own terms.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54110907236670,"sku":"9781760504885","price":29.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0374\/0149\/files\/9781760504885.jpg?v=1787716706","url":"https:\/\/fluxboutique.co.nz\/products\/the-playground-is-like-a-jungle-shona-innes","provider":"Flux Boutique","version":"1.0","type":"link"}