The Power of Consent

A colorful story demonstrating the meaning of consent and the power of establishing boundaries.

When a new student joins Andie's class and happily greets everyone with a hug, Andie is faced with an all-too-common dilemma. While Andie wants to make a new friend, they are not entirely comfortable hugging the newcomer. After a talk with Andie's dad about the meaning of consent and the importance of establishing boundaries, Andie has a big choice to make. Will Andie ignore their instincts or boldly communicate how they feel?

Andie's experience celebrates the identity, mind, body, heart, and soul of a child while also allowing space for self-reflection and advocacy.

Lea Danielle Cook is an artist and early childhood special and general educator. She earned a BFA in Sculpture with a minor in Ceramics from Syracuse University, where she developed skills and experience working with a wide variety of materials and media. Lea has a passion for exploring new materials, fabricated or found, wood, clay, and metal. She has expertise in many mediums and has delved deeper into her 2-D work such as drawing, pencil, pen, charcoal, paint, watercolor, and collage. Lea holds a Master of Science in Early Childhood Special and General Education from Bank Street College of Education. The illustrations within The Power of Consent were created with collage, pen, marker and watercolor.