Picture book · Fiction
The Kissing Hand
Audrey Penn; illustrated by Ruth E. Harper, Nancy M. Leak
About the book
Chester Raccoon is nervous about starting school, so his mother kisses his palm to give him a kiss he can carry with him.
Reading notes
Frequently read around the first days of preschool or kindergarten to ease separation.
This description was drafted with AI assistance and checked by a separate AI review against catalog, publisher and award sources on 2026-11-11. It has not been reviewed by a human editor. Report an error.
Book details
- Author
- Audrey Penn
- Illustrator
- Ruth E. Harper, Nancy M. Leak
- First published
- 1993
- Suggested ages
- Ages 3–6 (editorial estimate — children vary)
- Reading mode
- Best read aloud
- Topics
- starting school, separation
- Edition shown
- ISBN 9781933718002 · Tanglewood Press, June 25, 2006 · Hardcover
- Catalog record
- Open Library work record · edition record
Metadata verified against Open Library on 2026-11-11. Other editions and formats exist; ISBNs differ by edition.
Featured in
Book list
Books for Big Feelings: Picture Books and Early Readers About Emotions
Picture books and early readers that help children name anger, sadness, worry, separation, grief and frustration, with how to read them: pause, name, validate.
Age guide
Books for Preschoolers: Picture Books, Rhyme, and Real Conversation (Ages 3–5)
How to choose and share books with three- to five-year-olds: picture books, rhyme and sound play, asking good questions, longer stories, and first nonfiction.
Reading & literacy
Talking About Hard Topics Through Books: Grief, Separation, Racism, War and More
How to use books to talk with children about grief, separation, illness, racism and war: preview first, follow their questions, be honest, and know when to get help.