Thursday, September 1, 2016

“The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn

 I will admit that I never heard of The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn until after my daughter came home from her first day of kindergarten. Her little handprint – with a heart in the middle of her palm – had been placed beneath a precious poem related to this story. Yes, it brought tears to my eyes. 

The Kissing Hand
 What was it about this story – I had briefly heard about – that tugged at my heart? I did not want to wait and see. This book was so popular that I had to place it on hold at our local library. As soon as it became available, I had the pleasure of reading this sweet story to both of my children.
 
This book was so touching that I could see why it was perfect for my daughter since she did not want to leave her mommy for the day. Kissing her hand put her at ease.

Would I recommend this book? You bet, especially for children that will be beginning preschool or kindergarten. Comfort your little
Chester,” kiss his or her hand and place it against your heart. 

                                                      

Monday, August 15, 2016

“A Bedtime Kiss for Chester Raccoon” by Audrey Penn

As a mommy to my own little “Chester,” I can share in mama's effort in getting a little one to sleep. Many caregivers will appreciate A Bedtime Kiss for Chester Raccoon by Audrey Penn.

Humans do not look at sleeping difficulties as daytime issues. Therefore, it is  hard to imagine having “dayscares,” until you read this tender tale from a different perspective. I have not read any story quite like this.

As parents often do, mama comforts her son, carried out with a kiss and a connection. Everything is right in the world, and Chester falls asleep dreaming away in nocturnal land.

My daughter has separation anxiety, so I fell in love with the book that started it all, The Kissing Hand. I appreciate the link Ms. Penn carries between her books within this well-known series. Its continuity provides comfort and familiarity, qualities perfect for easing anxiety in children.

I would recommend this precious book - so full of mama’s love – to any parent.  
          
                           
A Bedtime Kiss for Chester Raccoon     
             
         

Sunday, June 12, 2016

Taking a Look at Your Developing Reader

If your little reader sees him- or herself as such, he or she has advanced in their literacy journey to the developing reader stage. At the beginning of this exciting phase, he or she will begin to select books that exhibit uncomplicated texts and patterns, such as One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss or Mrs. Wishy-Washy's Farm by Joy Cowley, respectively. Your child will yearn for books with a larger variety of patterns toward the latter part of this stage, so search for and present books similar to Just for You by Mercer Mayer.

Just Me and My Dad by Mercer Mayer
The developing reader gains a sense of the story by illustrations, thus associating them with print. Do not be surprised if you hear your child reading some easy words though! Simple sight words have been known to be uttered by some of these readers, like dog, cat, been, and make.

Expect to enjoy watching your child perusing over his or her choice of books for a short time, but prepare to set aside some “reading” time. Your youngster will want to share his or her selection of books with you!

Nurture your child's curiosity and fascination with early literacy. Let's take a look at how you can do so in my next post! Until then, cuddle up, open up a book or two, and share some exciting stories.   

Comment Policy

This is a family-friendly site. The use of profanity, threats, verbal abuse and discrimination of every sort is strictly prohibited. Such comments will be removed.