The Kissing Hand

The Kissing Hand. written by Audrey Penn. illustrated by Ruth Harper and Nancy Leak. 2006. 32p. New York: Tanglewood Press. (1933718005).

Author Website: www.audreypenn.com

Illustrator Website: www.rutheharper.com

Media: watercolor

Awards and Honors: Distinguished Achievement Award for Excellence in Educational Journalism

Audience: 3 and up

Annotation: 
Chester the Raccoon is anxious about starting school until his mother shows him a way he can feel connected to her even when she is away.  

Personal Reaction:

This sweet and gentle book addresses the universal childhood experience of starting school and the fear children feel when they are separated from their parents for the first time. This book could even be used to address a change in living situations or the loss of a loved one for a child.

Mrs. Raccoon uses the “kissing hand” to reassure Chester that her love is always present, even if he is away from her. I particularly like the way Audrey Penn shows the mutual desire for comfort between the mother and son. Before starting his first day of school, Chester gives his mother a “kissing hand” to comfort her while he is away.