Kissing Books!???

Did the title grab your attention? Well, these are not really about kissing in the sense most people think about. Rather, these are very sweet books that babies and young children really enjoy. The first book is one I call a great "Lap Book". The other is another for the category "Read Alouds". Although I haven't really explained my "category" listing yet, this is what I call a split category posting. As I add more books to the blog you will find I try to group the books into category types, but please do not rule out a book just because of a label I have stuck on it.


Kiss Good Night written by Amy Hest
When I first bought this, I thought what a good bedtime book, and it is. But since then, I have also really enjoyed watching my little girl (who is 11 months now) take pleasure in the pictures as well as the story. It is a simple story of how Mrs. Bear puts Sam to bed on a stormy night. Sam though isn't ready to go to sleep just yet, as Mrs. Bear has seemingly forgotten the most important part of Sam's bedtime routine. Sam isn't bothered by the storm, but really needs that final kiss goodnight in order to drift off to sleep. The easy going Mrs. Bear and the quiet persistency of Sam are artfully portrayed in surprisingly eye catching muted colors. We have both the picture book paperback size and the small board book version. I definitely think the larger size is the best for bedtime reading as the pictures are larger and not obstructed by having to share a small space with the text. (Watch for a later posting on several issues board books present.) Babies through probably 2nd grade would enjoy this. I call this a "Lap Book" as it is great to have your little one(s) curled up on or near your lap as you read it, especially if you end the story like Mrs. Bear.



Kiss the Cow written by Phyllis Root
How fun would it be to try and really kiss a cow? Well, you won't find this redhead trying it, just as the main red-haired character Annalisa wouldn't either. You see Annalisa's mother has too many kids to be counted, but her cow Luella always provides enough milk to feed everyone. That is until Annalisa tries to fool Luella. So, when Luella stops milking one day when she does not receive the obligatory kiss, will Annalisa pucker up to help the family out? The rhythm of the story and phrasing make this a fun book to read out loud, especially if you add a bit of a whimsical accent. I found preschool through 2nd grade enjoyed this more than older children. Plus, it is just too cute not to read.