Yoni Alkan DHSThe Book of Cuddles

Pictures are very bright and vibrant. It’s very easy to read, and a quick reference. I love this!

Playful and fun, but also straightforward and thoughtful, this book was a great introduction to the joys of platonic touch. I love that it’s written and illustrated from the point of view that cuddling isn’t just for lovers. I have never considered myself the touchy/huggy type, but looking at this book made me want to gather my friends and pass it around like a menu of friendly touch, just to see what people would choose. Then, with permission, (of course), we could try out some of the cuddling suggestions and all enjoy that safe, warm and fun feeling of connection.

THE BOOK OF CUDDLES is the book I've been waiting for. Writer Dr. Yoni Alkan and illustrator Cecilia Li have created a book which celebrates touch and underscores its importance for all humans. Li's illustrations are playful, simple and engaging, and you don't have to be double-jointed to do the cuddle positions! Alkan's words explain that simply touching is not enough. We must "touch with intent." To nurture, to express affection, and so on. The various cuddle positions are sorted by levels of intimacy. Other cuddle books are out there, but some are filled with positions that look difficult or non-soothing. Also it's great to have opening words from heavy hitters in the cuddle movement Marcia Bacyznski (one of the creators of the original Cuddle Party) and Madelon Guinazzo (one of the founders of Cuddlist.com). The book includes positions that can be done on a sofa, a bed, or the floor. With two people or in a group setting.THE BOOK OF CUDDLES is my new go-to book as one who enjoys platonic touch, as well as a therapeutic cuddler myself. It's ideal to have a "cuddle menu" for newbies to choose from. This is a perfect gift for the holidays and every day.

Cuddling is one of those things that is much more fun to do that to read about or think about doing...but that is much easier said than done in today's world where we can so easily interface online without ever leaving our home. What I love about this book is we can use it to bridge that gap. The text and the photos make it so easy, and platonic, fun to say, "Hey - how about we try this one? Are you up for trying one? Which one would you choose?" It is a great ice breaker - even having a conversation with someone about cuddling is that much closer. Keep it on the table right next to the couch and see if it doesn't lead to some cozy contact.And yes, I'm completely biased because I wrote one of the forwards and I teach consent through cuddling - another awesome side effect of this book :)

As a Cuddist Certified Touch Practitioner (professional cuddler) and a Cuddle Party Facilitator, this book was needed. It does such a great job talking about why consent is important as well as having beautiful, diverse illustrations.

I am a Cst practices from the UK which attended one of DR Yoni's cuddle parties in San Francisco April 2018, I was blown away by the freedom of consent which has always been a place of taboo in people interaction. When hearing about the book I ordered it an Dr Yoni's has sweetly captured this great freedom of consent. I believe this is a movement towards removing the secret space which creates danger in physical interaction. THANK YOU so much for for this literacy gift of knowledge.