When Chester the raccoon is reluctant to go to kindergarten for the first time, his mother teaches him a secret way to carry her love with him. Ill...
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Mar 29, 2009
Donalyn
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This book was a special favorite of my daughter, Sarah. For several months, I read this to her almost every night, often kissing her hand to say goodnight. Even now, my eyes are misty thinking of those wonderful evenings and how tiny Sarah was.
The best books are those that have wonderful memories attached to them.
The best books are those that have wonderful memories attached to them.
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Jan 20, 2012
Violet
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I feel this is a great story to read at the beginning of the school year. This is an excellent book to read to children who are transitioning to new environments or leaving their loved ones for the first time (starting pre-k). It is a great book to read to show children that they can be independent but to also reassure them that their loved ones still love, think about and care for them when they are away.
Learning activity: Children will express information and events in books to rea More...
Learning activity: Children will express information and events in books to rea More...
Sep 20, 2011
Vivian
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We're doing six weeks of story times based on the children's classic story Peter Pan by James Barrie. Our second week happens to coincide with Valentine's Day so of course our theme will be "Kisses".
Before sharing this story we introduced the theme this way:
Show a picture of Peter Pan (book cover, movie case, picture book, coloring sheet from internet)
• Tell them Peter didn’t know what a kiss is.
• Show children a container that you’ve put several objects More...
Before sharing this story we introduced the theme this way:
Show a picture of Peter Pan (book cover, movie case, picture book, coloring sheet from internet)
• Tell them Peter didn’t know what a kiss is.
• Show children a container that you’ve put several objects More...
Apr 04, 2011
Melissa
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Description:
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, More...
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, More...
Jul 23, 2009
Lv2readB
rated it:
Penn, A. (1993). The kissing hand. New York: Scholastic.
Summary:
Chester Raccoon doesn’t want to go to school because he will miss playing, reading, and staying home with his mother. Mrs. Raccoon teaches Chester that just because he is away from her doesn’t mean that she can’t be with him in other ways. She shows him the secret of the “The Kissing Hand” so he doesn’t feel lonely at school and knows that his mother loves him
Reviews/Awards:
Publisher's Weekly 1/24 More...
Summary:
Chester Raccoon doesn’t want to go to school because he will miss playing, reading, and staying home with his mother. Mrs. Raccoon teaches Chester that just because he is away from her doesn’t mean that she can’t be with him in other ways. She shows him the secret of the “The Kissing Hand” so he doesn’t feel lonely at school and knows that his mother loves him
Reviews/Awards:
Publisher's Weekly 1/24 More...
Jan 22, 2010
Jessica
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I would read this book to a kindergarten or pre-k class at the beginning of the school year to help children with separation anxiety deal with this time of transition. It is such a cute story telling of the love of a mother for her child (in this case raccoons). Chester is nervous about starting school and after his mother explains all the fun things he will do in school he is still reluctant to go. His mother then decides to give him a kiss on his palm, which is now his kissing hand. She
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Sep 24, 2011
Baley
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>>Original post: http://thereadersbookblog.blogspot.com/2...
Having read the sequel, I was compelled to go back and read the first book in the Chester series, The Kissing Hand. This is the book that started it all...
Chester the raccoon is nervous. He has never been to school and he's scared. He would much rather stay home with his mother. Chester's kind, compassionate, and understanding mother gently encourages him, telling Chester that he will love school once he get More...
Having read the sequel, I was compelled to go back and read the first book in the Chester series, The Kissing Hand. This is the book that started it all...
Chester the raccoon is nervous. He has never been to school and he's scared. He would much rather stay home with his mother. Chester's kind, compassionate, and understanding mother gently encourages him, telling Chester that he will love school once he get More...
Jul 26, 2011
This is a book about a young raccoon first going off to school. He does not want to leave home so his mom sits him down and tells him a secret that will help him get through school and allow him to love it. She kisses his hand and he feels all warm and his fur tingles. Throughout the day he feels the love his mom has given him. I read this book with one of my students at work and had to buy it for my youngest son who was very shy and got terribly homesick while he spent the night at anyone's h
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Mar 11, 2009
Alecia
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Author: Audrey Penn
Illustrator: Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak
Genre: fiction
Publication Info: Tanglewood Press (1993)
Reading Level: Ages 4-8; late early, transitional
Topic/Theme: reassurance, separation anxiety, love, school
Issues Addressed: addresses ways of coping with separation anxiety children usually encounter when leaving parents for the first time for school
Classroom Uses: independent reading, read More...
Illustrator: Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak
Genre: fiction
Publication Info: Tanglewood Press (1993)
Reading Level: Ages 4-8; late early, transitional
Topic/Theme: reassurance, separation anxiety, love, school
Issues Addressed: addresses ways of coping with separation anxiety children usually encounter when leaving parents for the first time for school
Classroom Uses: independent reading, read More...
Jul 31, 2011
Annmarie
rated it:
Chester Raccoon does not want to go to school. His mother helps Chester by showing him with the kissing hand that no matter where he is his mother and love is always with him.
I read this story to my 3 year old daughter and 5 year old son. They both loved the story and like me to kiss their hands to go alone with the story.
I felt this story helps its younger readers understand that while school sometimes seems like a scary place your loved ones are always with you. It was More...
I read this story to my 3 year old daughter and 5 year old son. They both loved the story and like me to kiss their hands to go alone with the story.
I felt this story helps its younger readers understand that while school sometimes seems like a scary place your loved ones are always with you. It was More...
Mar 02, 2010
Chester the raccoon is very nervous about going to school for the very first time. The mother raccoon tells Chester of a story of how a kiss in the palm of his hand will follow him wherever he will go and be with him always.
The illustrator of this book uses markers on cardstock to bring out rich colors and textures. This creates the feeling of looking at a photograph and not a picture that has been done in marker. The pages have a variety of setups. Some of the pages have the tex More...
The illustrator of this book uses markers on cardstock to bring out rich colors and textures. This creates the feeling of looking at a photograph and not a picture that has been done in marker. The pages have a variety of setups. Some of the pages have the tex More...
Jan 14, 2011
Lucia
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I became familiar with the concept behind this book prior to actually reading it when I was pregnant with my first child and already worrying about my own separation issues and was perusing mommy chat groups. I thought the idea of a kissing hand would be a wonderful way to say good-bye to a child with separation anxiety, however because my own children ended up always eager and confidant to confront new experiences, we have not had to use this concept in our own home ( for them...but some days
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Mar 01, 2009
Krystal
rated it:
Author: Audrey Penn
Illustrator: Ruth Harper
Genre: Fiction Picture Book
Publication Info: Tanglewood Press: 2007
Reading Level: Early Readers
Topic/Theme: Relationships and comfort/ Starting School/ Separation anxiety
Issues Addressed: Overcoming fear and uncomfortable situations.
Classroom Uses: Read Aloud, Individual Reading
Summary: Chester Raccoon is going to start school and he is a little nervous. More...
Illustrator: Ruth Harper
Genre: Fiction Picture Book
Publication Info: Tanglewood Press: 2007
Reading Level: Early Readers
Topic/Theme: Relationships and comfort/ Starting School/ Separation anxiety
Issues Addressed: Overcoming fear and uncomfortable situations.
Classroom Uses: Read Aloud, Individual Reading
Summary: Chester Raccoon is going to start school and he is a little nervous. More...
Jul 05, 2011
Heather
rated it:
I have taught kindergarten for four years, and I have read this book to my classes on the first day of kindergarten each year. Chester the racoon represents every child who goes to school for the first time. Students are able to relate to his feelings and fears as he prepares to leave his home and his mother to go to school. Although the story is fictional with fictional characters, it definitely has a real message. After reading the story each year, I do an activity with my students. There
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Mar 08, 2011
Laura
rated it:
Wow, this is a great book written by Audrey Penn! In The Kissing Hand, Chester, a raccoon is nervous to go to school for the very first time. He begs to stay home with Mrs. Racoon, but she tells him he most go to school. In order to comfort him, she kisses Chester's hand and tells him she will always be with him, even at school. After reading this book, children can know that they are never alone, even when they have to do something that may make them nervous or scared. Young children would
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Sep 13, 2010
Malbadeen
rated it:
Typically I shy away from these syrupy kind of books but I have to admit I like this one.
I detest the thought of sending my kids off to be in the hands of someone that might possibly think that they are anything less than brilliant, wildly creative, hilarious and compassionate. And I really detest the thought of them having any moments of missing home or me.
When I see kids at the school I work at cry, I ache with wondering how my own kids are doing at their school and t More...
I detest the thought of sending my kids off to be in the hands of someone that might possibly think that they are anything less than brilliant, wildly creative, hilarious and compassionate. And I really detest the thought of them having any moments of missing home or me.
When I see kids at the school I work at cry, I ache with wondering how my own kids are doing at their school and t More...
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May 10, 2011
Lisa
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What a wonderful story this is and also one that pulls on my hearstrings. I heard from a friend how appropriate this book is when your young child goes to school for the first time. Attachments between mother and child are strong, but it is a fact of life that children must grow up and learn to become independent. I love how the kissing hand makes the separation easier for our young Raccoon, Chester. My son and I love this book and often give one another kissing hands as well. Great story to
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Feb 20, 2011
Beckie
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What a precious book that helps share the emotions that go through a child's head on the first day of school. In this book, a mother is able to share encouraging words with her raccoon and give him a "kiss on the hand" which help illustrate how she's always with him, even when she's not there at school. I believe this book would be great for a pre-k or kindergarten class on the first day of school. In fact, I'd probably recommend this book for my parents to read to their children prior
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Jan 11, 2010
Bree
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This is a great book for the first day of school- would be great for student's who have separation anxiety from leaving parent's to school for the first time. It also includes information about the differences between raccoons and humans and the noctural life of certain animals. Shows the love between a mother and child and would relieve some nervousness at the beginning of school. REALLY CUTE- idea would be to draw a red heart on the student's hands like the last page of the book- also shows th
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Nov 09, 2011
Scott
rated it:
Wonderful book for the first day of school for grades K-2. Helps settle anxiety and separation problems that may arise. Book that could be read a couple of times during the first weeks of school. It could be revisited after holidays or long breaks, but it also could be reviewed when class is experiencing something new. Teacher could help recall emotions on how they felt those first couple of days and relate it to their new situation (if students are expressing anxiety). Could also be read when a
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Oct 30, 2011
Melanie
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This is one of my favorite it book. It is about separating during the first day of school. Chester was scare to attend the first day of school so his mother kissed him in the middle of his hand and called it his kissing hand. Whenever he start to miss his mother all he has to is remember his kissing and that mama loves him.
The Kissing Hand had received the Ed Press Winner award which is an ideal book to read to young children that has a wonderful message for children facing separation from More...
The Kissing Hand had received the Ed Press Winner award which is an ideal book to read to young children that has a wonderful message for children facing separation from More...
Apr 04, 2011
Kristy
rated it:
Oh my gosh, I love this book. I will have this book in my classroom as well as in my house. This is the cutest story about a raccoon who was afraid to go to school, he wanted to stay with his mom. His mom reassured him that he will have fun and love school but still the raccoon was scared. So his mom showed him a secret. She took his hand and kissed his palm and said now if you are ever scared or alone just touch this to your cheek and you will feel my love. He loved this so much before he
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May 07, 2011
Countrygirl_TN
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Chester is scared to leave his mother and go to school. So she tells him the secret of "The Kissing Hand" that he can keep with him while at school and when he feels lonely or scared while he's away, he can just raise his hand to his cheek and know that Mommy loves him.
Such an adorable little story! I think this is a great idea to keep children from being afraid when they are away from their loved ones. The pictures in the story are so cute and will really be ab More...
Such an adorable little story! I think this is a great idea to keep children from being afraid when they are away from their loved ones. The pictures in the story are so cute and will really be ab More...
May 17, 2011
I’m reviewing this book for NetGalley.
The Kissing Hand is the first book about Chester Raccoon. Chester is about to start school and tells his mom that he wants to stay home with her. She tells him it will be alright and kisses the palm of his hand. Chester realizes that the kiss makes him feel better and that he’ll have his mother’s love with him even at school.
I thought the illustrations were adorable. This book will show kids even though they may be away from thei More...
The Kissing Hand is the first book about Chester Raccoon. Chester is about to start school and tells his mom that he wants to stay home with her. She tells him it will be alright and kisses the palm of his hand. Chester realizes that the kiss makes him feel better and that he’ll have his mother’s love with him even at school.
I thought the illustrations were adorable. This book will show kids even though they may be away from thei More...
Jul 07, 2011
Olivia
rated it:
After reading, The Kissing Hand, I was left with a feeling of nostalgia. This book reminded me of my first day of school and the interactions between my mother and me. I was always very eager to go to school; however, I was nervous about being without my mother all day long so I definitely related to Chester the Raccoon. I absolutely loved the ending of story, in which Chester shows his mother the kissing hand too—just to reassure her, and himself. It is a truly touching story that I would most
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Nov 23, 2010
Alma
rated it:
Chester is nervous about starting school and asks his mother if instead of going to school he can just stay with her and play with his friend. His mother tells him he has to go to school but there is nothing for him to be worried about because he will really enjoy it. She tells him that is the way she felt until her mom showed her the secret, a kissing hand. And she showed Chester. His mother’s love will always be at the palm of his hand and whenever he needs a kiss from her all he has to do is
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Jun 15, 2009
Emily
rated it:
The Kissing Hand is a really touching story. It is about a a little racoon who loves his mother and is very nervous about going to school for the first time. He tells his mother all of his worries and fears about starting school. His mother comforts him by telling him that whenever he misses her she will always be with him and thinking about him even when they are apart. It is a really "feel good" story.
I really like this book because it is relatable to the students a More...
I really like this book because it is relatable to the students a More...
Nov 19, 2011
Sebin
rated it:
One of my favorite books! It leaves the reader feeling all warm inside! If you buy a new book, it has several heart shaped kissing hand stickers :) It is a great book to start the school year off with the younger students. It can also be used to for students who have separation and anxiety issues. Chester the raccoon doesn't want to leave his mom, home, and toys to go to school. Raccoon mom gives Chester a kiss in the palm of his hand to remind him that he is never away from his mom and that she
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Aug 10, 2011
Julian
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Chester the raccoon is anxious about his first day of school as so many children are, no matter what grade. During student teaching the teacher I shadowed took her kids on a scavenger hunt with messages/clues along the way from Chester. The scavenger hunt was a fun way for the kids to tour the school, meet important faculty and staff and socialize on the way. The finale was going back to the classroom where Chester left each of them a cookie to welcome them to school on their first day. How
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Mar 08, 2010
Lisa
rated it:
This is a sweet story with gorgeous illustrations.
The premise is that the love between those we love and those who love us doesn’t go away even when we’re not in their presence.
This could be a helpful book for children starting school or going through any sort of separation from loved ones.
Unfortunately, the children who need it the most are unlikely to get much solace from this book and the children who already feel secure and loved will enjoy this, and it m More...
The premise is that the love between those we love and those who love us doesn’t go away even when we’re not in their presence.
This could be a helpful book for children starting school or going through any sort of separation from loved ones.
Unfortunately, the children who need it the most are unlikely to get much solace from this book and the children who already feel secure and loved will enjoy this, and it m More...
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