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 Author Audrey Penn

Audrey Penn started her career as a ballerina dancing with the National Ballet, New York City Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet, and the Danny Diamond Dance Theatre. In 1980, she became too ill with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) to continue dancing but, because she had participated in children’s theatre, children’s dance, and always enjoyed children’s literature, she turned to writing children’s books for her creative outlet.

Her passion for advocacy for children continually molds her writing style and subject matter. She has created her writing program – The Writing Penn – into schools, libraries, and children’s hospitals, where she shapes and refines her story ideas in partnership with kids.

Today, Audrey has written over 13 books and is a New York Times bestselling author.

Meet Illustrator Ruth Harper

Ruth Harper, born in England, is a descendent of Sir Christopher Wren. 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 fundraising events.

Meet Illustrator Nancy M. Leak

Nancy M. Leak is a specialist in printmaking, and she lives in Maryland.

All Books in The Kissing Hand Series

Book cover for The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
Book cover for A Kiss Goodbye by Audrey Penn
Book cover for Chester Racoon and the Acorn Full of Memories by Audrey Penn
Cover of A Color Game for Chester Raccoon

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