Cuddlefish

A laugh-out-loud picture book about boundaries, self-awareness, and the joy of being yourself
Cuddle me? Cuddle who? Cuddle YOU!

In this heartwarming and hilarious undersea adventure, Cuddlefish—a sweet but clueless cuttlefish—sets out on a mission to spread hugs and happiness across the ocean floor. But there’s just one problem: not everyone wants a cuddle! As Cuddlefish bounces from one sea creature to the next, he discovers that while affection can be wonderful, it’s not always welcome—and that’s okay.
Written by award-winning author Jesse Byrd and illustrated by debut artist Michael Bensur, Cuddlefish delivers an important message about respecting personal space, understanding social cues, and ultimately learning the joys of self-love and acceptance. Bursting with vibrant underwater illustrations and playful humor, this charming picture book provides a gentle entry point for conversations around emotional intelligence, empathy, and consent—all wrapped up in a delightful ocean-themed story.

Key Features:
· Engaging and silly storytelling perfect for read-alouds with preschool and early elementary children
· Important social-emotional learning themes, including respecting boundaries and embracing individuality
· A great resource for teachers, parents, and caregivers looking to open up conversations about feelings, consent, and kindness

Whether you're a classroom teacher, a parent seeking bedtime laughs with heart, or simply a fan of aquatic adventures, Cuddlefish is a must-have for any bookshelf.

Jesse Byrd is an international award-winning children's book author and the youngest NPR Board member. At 6'8", Jesse pivoted from playing basketball at UCSB to pursue his passion for storytelling. After working at Google in Silicon Valley and later EY in Dubai as Director of Communications for Middle East and North Africa, Jesse turned all of his energy toward his deepest love: making stories for youth and families with a focus on supporting diverse creators and #own voices material. He's written six children's books and helped produce over 40 others as an editor, art director, and publishing consultant. Jesse is based in Los Angeles, CA.