Product Description
In this contemporary classic Chester Raccoon seeks love and reassurance from his mother as he ventures out into the world to attend his very first day of school.

Amazon.com Review
Chester Raccoon doesn't want to go to school--he wants to stay home with his mother. She assures him that he'll love school--with its promise of new friends, new toys, and new books. Even better, she has a special secret that's been in the family for years--the Kissing Hand. This secret, she tells him, will make school seem as cozy as home. She takes her son's hand, spreads his tiny fingers into a fan and kisses his palm--smack dab in the middle: "Chester felt his mother's kiss rush from his hand, up his arm, and into his heart." Whenever he feels lonely at school, all he has to do is press his hand to his cheek to feel the warmth of his mother's kiss. Chester is so pleased with his Kissing Hand that he--in a genuinely touching moment--gives his mom a Kissing Hand, too, to comfort her when he is away. Audrey Penn's The Kissing Hand, published by the Child Welfare League of America, 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. The rough but endearing raccoon illustrations are as satisfying and soothing for anxious children as the simple story. (Ages 5 and older) --Karin Snelson

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 5.0 based on 123 reviews)

outstanding book by Cello (Europe)

5 Stars
April 27, 2009
This is a great story for children. My son especially loves how the baby racoon gives his Mom a "kissing hand" at the end of the story. Especially good if your child has issues about being without you for short periods of time (Kindergarden, etc.).

Wonderful by L. Spade (Fairfax, VA)

5 Stars
April 03, 2009
This book touched my children like no other. Since first hearing the book in school two years ago, they want their hands kissed be me every morning before entering the classroom or getting on the bus. I bought the book not only to read to them at home but to place in their memory box.

the kissing hand by josie d. (ny)

5 Stars
March 21, 2009
This book really helped soften the blow of monthly court-ordered visitation of my custodial grandchildren to the inner city w/their paternal grandmother. The screaming scenes were just horrendous and heartbreaking as the children begged not to go. I found this book and although I can't say it was the end of the nightmare this book absolutely empowered them to deal with just that one day each month. I honestly feel this book should be known to every family court, law guardian and anyone who is in a court ordered visitation situation that is not welcomed by the children. This book was a godsend for us.

The Kissing Hand by Joyce C. Mashburn (Georgia)

5 Stars
February 08, 2009
I absolutely loved The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn. In 1975 my children and I had this thing where I kissed the palms of each of their hands and they kissed mine. When we would need a hug or kiss while away from each other, we would open our hands and there it was. What a wonderful surprise when this book was published and given to me by one of my daughters.

Charming!!!!!! by B.Morgan (Alaska)

5 Stars
February 05, 2009
This is such a sweet, and charming little tale for wee ones! The illustrations are terrific! I am sure this will be a favorite with all the children in your life, and will be brought out again, and again, to read, and re-read! ENJOY!

SIMILAR PRODUCTS

	A Pocket Full of Kisses by Audrey Penn (Author) A tender sequel to the bestseller and children's classic The Kissing Hand, Audrey Penn provides a heartwarming story perfect for families who are adjusting to all the changes new members can bring!
	The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing (Illustrator), Julie Durrell (Illustrator) 'Twas the night before kindergarten, and as they prepared, kids were excited, and a little bit scared. It's the first day of school! Join the kids as they prepare for kindergarten, packing school supplies, posing for pictures, and the hardest part of all-saying goodbye to Mom and Dad. But maybe it won't be so hard once they discover just how much fun kindergarten really is! Colorful illustrations illuminate this uplifting takeoff on the classic Clement C. Moore Christmas...
	Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten (Miss Bindergarten Books) by Joseph Slate (Author), Ashley Wolff (Illustrator) It's the first day of kindergarten and Miss Bindergarten is hard at work getting the classroom ready for her twenty-six new students. Meanwhile, Adam Krupp wakes up, Brenda Heath brushes her teeth, and Christopher Beaker finds his sneaker. Miss Bindergarten puts the finishing touches on the room just in time, and the students arrive. Now the fun can begin! This rhyming, brightly illustrated book is the perfect way to practice the alphabet and to introduce young children to...
	I Love You All Day Long by Francesca Rusackas (Author), Priscilla Burris (Illustrator) Owen's anxious question prompts this heartwarming, comforting tale of how a parent's love stays with a child whether they are together or apart -- all day long.
	Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes (Author) She was a perfect baby, and she had a perfect name. Chrysanthemum. When she was old enough to appreciate it, Chrysanthemum loved her name. And then she started school. "I'm named after my grandmother," said Victoria. "You're named after a flower." Chrysanthemum wilted. Life at school didn't improve. In fact, it got worse. Then the students were introduced to their music teacher, Mrs. Twinkle. Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle. And suddenly, Chrysanthemum blossomed....