The Kissing Hand, by Audrey Penn

Reviewed by Elizabeth Moeller

Over the past few weeks I have been researching popular children's books. I came across "The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn, and I was touched by the story. Before the book begins, there is a foreword that describes the reassuring text and the ability for children to relate to the challenge of Chester Raccoon. I have never heard of this book before, but I can't wait to read it to my future students.

The wonderful story begins as Chester Raccoon confronts his mother about his hestiant feelings regarding school. Like a typical child, Chester wants to stay at home with his mother instead of venturing into the unknown. While Mrs. Raccoon wants to comfort her son, she begins to describe all of the wonderful things that he will do at school. And then, Mrs. Raccoon lets her son discover a family secret that will protect him while he is at school. A secret descriptive of the title, the kissing hand fills Chester Raccoon with warmth and confidence that he is loved and taken care of in his family. This secret allows Chester to understand that trying something new isn't scary, and that with a little courage he can accomplish even his deepest fears. Audrey Penn has created a future children's classic that is descriptive of children's fear and illuminated by a mother's love.

After reading this wonderful story, I thought that it would be a great book to read on the first day of school. As a child, I hated leaving my mother on the first day of school. I thought that I would much rather stay at home and make pancakes instead of going on fascinating field trips! While I would be upset at first, I know that my mother had the same soothing voice that Mother Raccoon did. She would ensure me that everything was going to be okay, and that she loved me. Therefore, I believe that this is a great book to read on the first say of school because it will allow hesitant students to find reassurance within the descriptive context. Additionally, this wonderful story communicates what ALL of us want to hear from our loved ones, that WE are loved. Furthermore, I believe it is of utmost important to recognize that each child may not have a mother or a father at home. Therefore, this book would be a great way for the student to realize that everyone is loved in some way, shape, or form. This is a wonderful story that will allow children, and adults, to recognize that we can overcome challenges, and that we are ALL able to achieve our dreams with support and confidence.