The Kissing Hand
A gentle 32-page picture book in which Chester Raccoon feels nervous about his first day of school, and his mother shares a loving family ritual to carry her warmth with him all day. There is nothing frightening, upsetting, or objectionable anywhere in the story.
A perfect read for ages 3 and up, especially just before starting preschool, kindergarten, or any new situation that means time away from a caregiver.
Chapters to know about
Chester tells his mother he does not want to go to school and would rather stay home and play; children with their own separation worries may feel this deeply, making it a natural moment to pause and chat.
Chester presses his hand to his cheek and then gives his mother her own kissing hand before he walks in; a quietly moving moment that often brings a tear to grown-up eyes and invites a warm conversation about missing the people we love.