Wednesday, September 22, 2010

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

While I know I am a little late because of some personal issues that have been happening outside of Bloggerworld, I very much wanted to do this book in honor of the start of the school year! I have been in love with The Kissing Hand ever since I first learned of it while taking a children's literature class in college, and I think it is a book that every parent and teacher should know about!

Chester is a little raccoon all ready to start his first day at school...except that he is scared. Because of Chester's fear, he doesn't want to go, even with the promises of new friends and fun and games...until his Mommy teaches him an old family secret. The Kissing Hand is a way that Chester's mommy reminds him that no matter what, her love is always with him and will get him through anything he might encounter at school.

Amazon.com says "The Kissing Hand is just the right book for any child taking that fledgling plunge into preschool--or for any youngster who is temporarily separated from home or loved ones." and I must say I 100% agree! Not only a great book for any young of any age child getting ready to start school, The Kissing Hand would be a great book for any child facing a separation from their daily routine or people. (For example, a child who has a parent preparing to deploy or a child going to camp for the first time.)

Another aspect of the book that I just adore is that it's set at night, holding true to the nocturnal nature of raccoons! It opens up a whole new box of teachable moments leading into how some animals (and people for that matter) are awake and live and work at night instead of during the day!

If you read and love The Kissing Hand the way I do, you can learn some more wonderful life lessons from Chester and his mother in the books A Pocket Full Of Kisses, A Kiss Goodbye, Chester Raccoon and The Big Bad Bully, and Chester Raccoon and the Acorn Full of Memories. 

If you are looking to expand the reading experience into classroom or at home projects why not create some of your very own Kissing Hand Art, or super-yummy Kissing Hand Cookies!

In addition to the books listed above, author Audrey Penn has written several books for young children. If you are interested in learning more about Ms. Penn or her books, please check out her official web page!

Happy Reading!

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