The Kissing Hand
By Audrey Penn
The Story
A young raccoon dreads his first day of school until his mother teaches him a secret family trick — a kiss pressed into his palm — to carry her love with him into the unknown.
Why It's Special
For the kid who clings to your leg at drop-off, this gives them something to hold onto besides you.
- Big idea: Love can travel with you, even when the people who give it can't come along.
- Vibes: Tender, hushed, and reassuring, like a bedtime talk before a big day.
Perfect For Kids Who
- are working on separation anxiety and first-day nerves
- respond well to gentle, reassuring family rituals
- enjoy stories about woodland animal families
- like to copy comforting routines from a story into real life
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: What did Mrs. Raccoon do to help Chester feel less scared about school?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Chester felt on his first day, before his mother shared the secret?
- Real-life connection: What could we do together, like the Kissing Hand, before you go somewhere new?
- Imagination: If you had a Kissing Hand, who would you want to give it to you?
