Penguin Sandycove to publish

A Hug for You by David King, with Adam King: November 2021

Late Late Toy Show national treasure Adam King and his Dad, David King, to write an illustrated children’s book telling the story of the Virtual Hug

Sandycove (an imprint of Penguin Random House) is delighted to announce an incredibly exciting new children’s acquisition: A Hug for You by David King, with Adam King. Adam King stole the hearts of the nation when he appeared on the Late Late Toy Show in 2020. He introduced us to the Virtual Hug, shared his dreams of becoming a CAPCOM at NASA and talked to Ryan about his challenges with a lifelong brittle bone condition. Now, Adam and David will be telling his story and the story of the Virtual Hug in an illustrated picture book for children and adults from age 4+. It will hit shelves in November 2021.

You can pre-order here: https://linktr.ee/AHugForYou.

The Virtual Hug started out as a heart-shaped sign Adam carried during the COVID-19 pandemic to help him stay connected to his teacher while he was learning from home. He also took it to his regular hospital appointments to show his doctors, nurses, and care staff that he was still giving them a hug, just in a different way. Since then, the Virtual Hug has become a symbol for love and connection, at a time when human connection is more important and more challenging than ever.

This book, inspired by true events, tells the story of one little boy with a big idea that came straight from the heart. Join Adam and his loyal friend and first teddy, Bubby, on the journey of the Virtual Hug. From the Late Late Toy Show, the virtual hug makes its way onto mugs, postage stamps and even all the way to outer space, spreading warmth and connection to people all over the world.

David King says: “I am absolutely over the moon to work with Sandycove on this project. Adam and our family have been on a wonderful adventure over this last year with the Virtual Hug, and everyone has been a part of it. Inspired by these events, I am delighted to have written a story about bringing light to the tough times we have all experienced. I hope you will all see a bit of yourselves in it, of the power of connectedness and hope and how the smallest gestures can have the greatest impact. This story, like Adam’s Virtual Hug, is for everyone.”

Michael McLoughlin, Managing Director at Sandycove, says: “We are absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to work with Adam and David on this book. Like everyone else in Ireland, we were all blown away by Adam on the Late Late Toy Show last Christmas. We feel so privileged to be part of Adam’s story, and the story of the Virtual Hug.”