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Books by Theme » Growth Mindset » NOBODY HUGS A CACTUS and the Power of Will

NOBODY HUGS A CACTUS and the Power of Will

By Lauren Bercuson ·  Published: Jun 18, 2019 ·  Modified: Sep 9, 2022 ·  This post may contain affiliate links

NOBODY HUGS A CACTUS, by Carter Goodrich, is an excellent new book about the power of will, and the idea that positive change is possible for each and every one of us. Check it out!

*This post contains affiliate links


Nobody Hugs a Cactus by Carter Goodrich

The mind is a powerful thing. It’s so powerful, in fact, that it can talk us Into believing things about ourselves, beliefs that form the core of who we are as people and individuals. But sometimes, the things we tell ourselves don’t adequately reflect what we truly believe. Sometimes, we talk and act one way— but we feel totally different on the inside.

So is the case with NOBODY HUGS A CACTUS, by Carter Goodrich, an adorable story about a prickly cactus named Hank who is prickly to everyone around him. Why? Hank staunchly believes he likes to be alone and doesn’t — absolutely does not — want a hug. But is this truly what he wants for himself? When Hank suddenly realizes that no one is even offering to give him a hug, he begins to discover that maybe he is a little lonely after all… and maybe life is a little sweeter— and a little less painful— when we let others in for just a moment. But who wants to hug a cactus?

I love NOBODY HUGS A CACTUS, and it resonated with my family so much. Sometimes, we get stuck with these crazy belief systems that don’t necessarily match who we are. And it’s true of kids, too. If a child is constantly referred to as the “sporty” one, the “silly” one, or the “bully,” they often act in certain ways because they believe this is how they are “supposed” to be. But these names might not be true to who we really are. We can be sporty but still love the thrill of learning dance choreography. We can be silly, but also really serious when it comes to learning about science. We may have made some poor choices in the past, but we may want to try really hard to make better ones.

As parents and educators, it is important that we don’t let kids fall into these patterns, that we don’t identify children with labels — especially ones that do not reflect who the child is on the inside. These labels — these incongruent belief systems — can stifle growth and joy.

I love Hank’s journey in NOBODY HUGS A CACTUS for the way he initially labels himself as prickly, but eventually discovers that he wants and needs more. And I love that he adopts a growth mindset and sets out to fix his challenge.

None of us are “one” thing- we are all complex, multi faceted beings with different needs and desires. It is vitally important that we encourage our kids to play and explore, and help prevent them from falling prey to a defining label that stifles their creativity and prevents them from blossoming into the person they truly hope to become.

Two trunks up for this awesome read!

Want the book? Get it here! NOBODY HUGS A CACTUS, by Carter Goodrich. HEE received an advanced copy of this book for review consideration, but all opinions contained herein are expressly our own.

RELATED: We’ve got all the best children’s books for you on Happily Ever Elephants, so be sure to check them out!
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Hi! I’m Lauren. I’m a boy mom, former attorney, current elementary school librarian, and moderator of book clubs for kids around the country. My goal is to make storytime with your children both magical and meaningful. Welcome! LEARN MORE 

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