The Kissing Hand
School is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go.
To help ease Chester’s fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called The Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary. Since its first publication in 1993, this heartwarming book has become a children’s classic that touches the lives of millions of children and their parents, especially at times of separation, whether starting school, entering daycare, going to camp. It is widely used by kindergarten teachers on the first day of school. Stickers at the back will help children and their parents keep their Kissing Hand alive.
To read stories from readers about the life-changing effects of Audrey Penn’s classic book, click here.
Picture Book | Ages 3 – 7
Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-933718-00-2 | 32 pages with stickers | $18.99
Paperback ISBN: 978-1939100-42-9 | 32 pages with stickers | $11.99
Paperback ISBN: 978-1933718-10-1 | 24 pages with CD | $12.99
Ebook ISBN: 978-1-933718-36-1 | $11.99
Spanish Language Edition ISBN: 978-1-933718-01-9 | 32 pages | $18.99
Spanish Language Edition Ebook ISBN: 978-1-933718-39-2 | $10.99
Big Book Edition ISBN: 978-1-933718-07-1 | 32 pages | $28.95
Lexile Level: 540 | Guided Reading Level: I | Grade Level: 1-2 | Reading Recovery Level: 15-16
Meet the Author & Illustrators
Audrey Penn takes her one-woman educational program, the Writing Penn, into schools, libraries, and children’s hospitals where she shapes and refines her story ideas in partnership with kids. She is also highly sought after as a conference keynote speaker by groups of teachers and other professionals who work with children.
Ruth Harper was born in England, is a descendent of Sir Christopher Wren, and lived in six countries before coming to America. She has been an art teacher, where she wrote an accredited art curriculum, presented seminars on art education, been a guest illustrator at elementary schools, and has donated many works to fund-raising events.
The Kissing Hand Reviews
“Audrey Penn’s 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. The rough but endearing raccoon illustrations are as satisfying and soothing for anxious children as the simple story.”
—Karin Snelson, Amazon.com
“This gently reassuring tale by Audrey Penn has been used for many years by parents to prepare young children for new experiences.”
—School Library Journal