“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. 
                                                      

“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     

             
         

Knuffle Bunny or Kuh-Nuffle Bunny?

We checked out the award-winning Knuffle Bunny series by Mo Willems. Consisting of three books, we followed Trixie from the stage of toddler-hood to early childhood. The entire elements of the series are like none other.

First Book in the Series

Upon opening the first book, I fell in love with the story, as did my children. Parents can appreciate the humor when, as a toddler, Trixie went “boneless," falling to the ground, in a desperate plea to get her daddy back to the laundromat to get her beloved, Knuffle Bunny. I can honestly say that I laughed out loud. Oh, have I had my fair share of “boneless" bodies from both of my children in public. (And why do they suddenly become 20 pounds heavier when they do so?)

Second Book in the Series

Skipping ahead to the last book, Trixie cannot find her dear friend shortly after arriving in Holland on a trip to visit Oma and Opa. Does she find her Knuffle Bunny? Does she go “boneless" again? (You can proceed with reading my post for I will not give it away.) However, I will express my sadness as I read the final part of the book. I thought to myself, “Surely, this cannot be it! No!" Perhaps it was noting the age similarity between my daughter and Trixie, or maybe it was the combination of that and the dedicated note to Trixie at the end.

I am always on the lookout for unique illustrations and this one hit the jackpot. With classic black and white photography near the author's home in Brooklyn, Willems adds his highly expressive cartoonish-style to each scene - quite brilliant, I think!

The Last Book -- Sniff, sniff!

If you are looking for a new book to read to your child, I highly recommend reading the Knuffle Bunny series. There was certainly an energy between the expressive characters, illustrations, and stories surrounding Trixie and Knuffle. I am certain you will grow with Trixie, her mommy and daddy, and the star of the show, Knuffle, as well!

Guess How Much I Love You ...

An Award-Winning Tail

By Sam McBratney is a tender “tail” of two hares, Big Nutbrown Hare and Little Nutbrown Hare, showing their love for the other, ignited by a common childhood problem -- not wanting to go to sleep! As a distraction, Little Hare changes the subject by interjecting, “Guess how much I love you”? (Of course, what parent, grandparent or any adult could ignore such a question?)

Little Nutbrown Hare admits to loving his daddy “this much”, representing his love by his outstretched arms. Daddy replies, “But I love you this much,” stretching out his much longer arms. Little Hare attempts to prove a love larger than Big Hare's through the remainder of the book. Does he succeed?

As I was reading this treasured book aloud today, I immediately thought of the early love exchanges between my daughter and I. When she was two, I would say, “I love you.” “No, I love you more,” she replied. Of course, my response was, “No, I love you more.” We would go back and forth until one of us gave up with a smile and a hug.

As parents, we know how much our children mean to us, more than anyone could ever know, sometimes “right up to the moon -- and back.”

Big and Little Nutbrown Hare