Waffles and Julius: No Hugs Please! (Hardcover, 2026)

This adorable grumpy/sunshine duo will steal your heart in a tender and funny picture book about friendship and respecting each other's differences. From Ed Vere, the bestselling creator of Max the Brave and How to Be a Lion.

Waffles really, really loves hugs.
Julius does not.

Waffles would very much like to hug his friend Julius. Julius, however, prefers other things: most notably, cat-naps. But definitely not hugs.

Waffles will wait until Julius is ready. It won't be so hard...will it?
(Yes...it will.)

This irresistible story is about respecting one another's boundaries--and the beautiful friendships that can blossom when we do.