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You Can't Kiss A Bubble
What can you do with a bubble?
Many children – and adults – find bubbles fascinating, even enchanting. And yet they’re so different from most things we enjoy, lasting only a few moments. This little book, with its lovely and whimsical illustrations, looks at both the charm and the transitory nature of bubbles, and reminds us that we can take joy even in the impermanent.
Many children – and adults – find bubbles fascinating, even enchanting. And yet they’re so different from most things we enjoy, lasting only a few moments. This little book, with its lovely and whimsical illustrations, looks at both the charm and the transitory nature of bubbles, and reminds us that we can take joy even in the impermanent.
- GenresChildrensPicture Books
28 pages, Paperback
First published July 23, 2021
20 people want to read
About the author
Karen A. Wyle
26 books234 followersKaren A. Wyle is the author of multiple science fiction novels, including The Twin-Bred Series: Books 1-3; YA novel Water to Water; and near-future novels Division, Playback Effect, Who: a novel of the near future, and Donation. Her first novel outside the SF category was the afterlife fantasy/family drama Wander Home. She then turned to historical romance with her Cowbird Creek series, including What Heals the Heart, What Frees the Heart, What Shows the Heart, and What Wakes the Heart. She returned to fantasy with 2023's Far From Mortal Realms: A Novel of Humans and Fae. Her novel The Decision/A Novel of Germany is inspired by a crucial incident in her own family history. Her latest novel, That The Dead May Rest, comes out on October 17, 2025 -- a good month for a paranormal story!
Wyle has also published one nonfiction work, Closest to the Fire: A Writer's Guide to Law and Lawyers, a resource for authors or for anyone interested in understanding more about American law. An updated and slightly retitled edition came out at the end of July 2021.
Finally, Wyle has collaborated with illustrators on five picture books: You Can't Kiss A Bubble; When It's Winter; Wind, Ocean, Grass; Where Fireflies Sleep; and A Boy Who Made Music/The Extraordinary Life of Joaquin Rodrigo. There are more to come!
Wyle was born a Connecticut Yankee, but eventually settled in Bloomington, Indiana, home of Indiana University. She now considers herself a Hoosier. Wyle's childhood ambition was to be the youngest ever published novelist. While writing her first novel at age ten, she was mortified to learn that some British upstart had beaten her to the goal at age nine.
Wyle is a retired appellate attorney, dormant photographer, and mother of two wildly creative adult offspring. Her voice is the product of almost five decades of reading both literary and genre fiction. It is no doubt also influenced, although she hopes not fatally tainted, by her years of law practice. Wyle's near-future novels and her upcoming fantasy novel draw on her legal experience in various respects.
Wyle's personal history has led her to focus on often-intertwined themes of family, communication, the impossibility of controlling events, and the persistence of unfinished business.
Wyle has also published one nonfiction work, Closest to the Fire: A Writer's Guide to Law and Lawyers, a resource for authors or for anyone interested in understanding more about American law. An updated and slightly retitled edition came out at the end of July 2021.
Finally, Wyle has collaborated with illustrators on five picture books: You Can't Kiss A Bubble; When It's Winter; Wind, Ocean, Grass; Where Fireflies Sleep; and A Boy Who Made Music/The Extraordinary Life of Joaquin Rodrigo. There are more to come!
Wyle was born a Connecticut Yankee, but eventually settled in Bloomington, Indiana, home of Indiana University. She now considers herself a Hoosier. Wyle's childhood ambition was to be the youngest ever published novelist. While writing her first novel at age ten, she was mortified to learn that some British upstart had beaten her to the goal at age nine.
Wyle is a retired appellate attorney, dormant photographer, and mother of two wildly creative adult offspring. Her voice is the product of almost five decades of reading both literary and genre fiction. It is no doubt also influenced, although she hopes not fatally tainted, by her years of law practice. Wyle's near-future novels and her upcoming fantasy novel draw on her legal experience in various respects.
Wyle's personal history has led her to focus on often-intertwined themes of family, communication, the impossibility of controlling events, and the persistence of unfinished business.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 26, 2023
A really cute book about bubbles! And it doesn’t stop at being cute!
Who doesn’t love bubbles as a child? We have all enjoyed the fun of blowing bubbles and chasing after them. But imagine the very bubbles being a medium of delivering a valuable message too!
The concept of the book is very straightforward, as suggested by the title: You can’t kiss a bubble. What follows is a list of things you can’t do with a bubble followed by what you can actually enjoy about a bubble. The final pages contain an important life lesson children can learn from bubbles.
I loved this sweet little picture book from start to end. The initial pages made me very nostalgic as I relived my childhood memories of chasing after bubbles. (And my kids doing the same!) The moral is the icing on the cake. I didn’t expect such a deep thought to be brought out so beautifully. The temporary nature of bubbles is used to deliver a wonderful lesson about the joy of letting go and enjoying something even if it is short-lived.
The text is in a very comfortable font size, making it a delight to read. I can imagine grandparents heaving a sigh of relief when they pick up such picture books to read to their grandkids; they don’t need to strain their eyes at all.
The vocabulary level is perfect for early readers. The words are simple. There is no forced rhyming (which is something I always appreciate.) The lines have a very lyrical quality to them, making the book a perfect read-aloud companion.
The illustrations are suitably cute. They are coloured in a water-colour style which is perfect for a book about bubbles. I found the drawings matching the content perfectly.
Overall, this is a book that looks simple but delivers a whammy of an experience with its sweet words and meaningful moral. A delightful addition to the book stack for all little readers aged 2 to 8.
4.75 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author at my request and these are my honest thoughts about it. Thank you very much for this opportunity to read and review your work, Karen. 😊
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Who doesn’t love bubbles as a child? We have all enjoyed the fun of blowing bubbles and chasing after them. But imagine the very bubbles being a medium of delivering a valuable message too!
The concept of the book is very straightforward, as suggested by the title: You can’t kiss a bubble. What follows is a list of things you can’t do with a bubble followed by what you can actually enjoy about a bubble. The final pages contain an important life lesson children can learn from bubbles.
I loved this sweet little picture book from start to end. The initial pages made me very nostalgic as I relived my childhood memories of chasing after bubbles. (And my kids doing the same!) The moral is the icing on the cake. I didn’t expect such a deep thought to be brought out so beautifully. The temporary nature of bubbles is used to deliver a wonderful lesson about the joy of letting go and enjoying something even if it is short-lived.
The text is in a very comfortable font size, making it a delight to read. I can imagine grandparents heaving a sigh of relief when they pick up such picture books to read to their grandkids; they don’t need to strain their eyes at all.
The vocabulary level is perfect for early readers. The words are simple. There is no forced rhyming (which is something I always appreciate.) The lines have a very lyrical quality to them, making the book a perfect read-aloud companion.
The illustrations are suitably cute. They are coloured in a water-colour style which is perfect for a book about bubbles. I found the drawings matching the content perfectly.
Overall, this is a book that looks simple but delivers a whammy of an experience with its sweet words and meaningful moral. A delightful addition to the book stack for all little readers aged 2 to 8.
4.75 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author at my request and these are my honest thoughts about it. Thank you very much for this opportunity to read and review your work, Karen. 😊
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
July 23, 2021
I received an ebook copy of this book directly from the author because I often read and review children's books.
This is a really lovely book with beautiful water color illustrations and a charming subject whimsically told. It is not a story, but rather it tells specifically of bubbles and how there are many things you can't do with them, being transient and fragile. But also what you can do with them. It's obvious how other transient and fragile things in a child's life could be compared and appreciated for what they are, and not so much for what we can't do with them.
The illustrator, Siski Kalla, gives the bubbles wonderful iridescence and the illustrations real depth. There's lots happening in these pictures, which will be wonderful for younger children who can't yet read themselves.
This is a really lovely book with beautiful water color illustrations and a charming subject whimsically told. It is not a story, but rather it tells specifically of bubbles and how there are many things you can't do with them, being transient and fragile. But also what you can do with them. It's obvious how other transient and fragile things in a child's life could be compared and appreciated for what they are, and not so much for what we can't do with them.
The illustrator, Siski Kalla, gives the bubbles wonderful iridescence and the illustrations real depth. There's lots happening in these pictures, which will be wonderful for younger children who can't yet read themselves.
October 11, 2021
You Can’t Kiss a Bubble talks directly to the reader to explain a bubble’s strengths and weaknesses. It’s a playful look at one of childhood’s most simple yet fun activities. It also shows how limited bubbles are in their brief life yet that’s what makes them so unique and interesting. I recommend this story to all picture book readers who love gentle, short, and simple concepts with deeper messages behind them.
You can read my full review here: https://laurasbooksandblogs.com/you-c...
You can read my full review here: https://laurasbooksandblogs.com/you-c...
September 26, 2021
The title and cover already had me more than curious, since I've always been a huge soap bubble fan.
This one is about bubbles. They offer so much joy, are unique and fascinating, but they don't last forever. Written in prose, it fits the theme wonderfully and allows the gentle nature to come across, while not loosing the sense of amazement a bubble can have. The text is simple, making it great for younger listeners, and yet, it packs meaning, which means even slightly older readers can enjoy it. This makes it also a great way to introduce prose to beginning readers and let them experience the emotion a few words can bring across, since playing with bubbles is something they will easily identify with.
The illustrations flow right along, allowing the bubbles and their uniqueness to come across. The colors pull in and create a fitting world to the atmosphere.
Then, there's the message. It isn't preachy but flows right along with the rest of the book. Things can be fun, capturing, and very enjoyable...even if they don't last forever.
I received a complimentary copy and found it well done.
This one is about bubbles. They offer so much joy, are unique and fascinating, but they don't last forever. Written in prose, it fits the theme wonderfully and allows the gentle nature to come across, while not loosing the sense of amazement a bubble can have. The text is simple, making it great for younger listeners, and yet, it packs meaning, which means even slightly older readers can enjoy it. This makes it also a great way to introduce prose to beginning readers and let them experience the emotion a few words can bring across, since playing with bubbles is something they will easily identify with.
The illustrations flow right along, allowing the bubbles and their uniqueness to come across. The colors pull in and create a fitting world to the atmosphere.
Then, there's the message. It isn't preachy but flows right along with the rest of the book. Things can be fun, capturing, and very enjoyable...even if they don't last forever.
I received a complimentary copy and found it well done.
September 1, 2021
You Can't Kiss A Bubble is an adorable kids story about blowing bubbles. It is a very positive story with beautiful, colorful drawings. It would be pretty easy for a new reader to read and fun for older readers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 21, 2021
I ordered this book to send to family and friends with little ones. I picked it because I know the author and she is a wonderful lady but am very happy with it. It’s cute, the pictures are perfect and I’m sure my young friends will love it. The message in the book is very uplifting.
October 5, 2021
Children love bubbles, and they will love this book. The words flow smoothly and are easy to read, with the perfect amount of words on each page so that children can look at the illustrations, turn pages, and stay engaged. The cute, colorful illustrations portray positive interactions between diverse people in a community, which is important to me as a mom. This book also teaches gentleness and stillness by helping children to understand the fragility and evanescence of a bubble.
I really enjoyed reading this short, sweet book by Karen Wyle, and I would recommend it to any parent or caregiver. I received this book for free from the author. All comments and opinions are entirely my own, and this is a voluntary review.
I really enjoyed reading this short, sweet book by Karen Wyle, and I would recommend it to any parent or caregiver. I received this book for free from the author. All comments and opinions are entirely my own, and this is a voluntary review.
October 9, 2021
Entertaining and fun read about bubbles. Kids and adults are all fascinated with bubbles. Wonderful illustrations help tell the story. Fun read for the family.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 6, 2021
Fun Illustrations Add to Whimsy
I love the soft watercolors of this book! The book is a whimsical look first at the things you can’t do with a bubble (like put it in your toy box or treat it like a pet) and then the things you can do, like gently blow on it to make it dance. This book will probably make your child want to make bubbles to see what they can (and can’t) do with them, so have the solution read. A sweet, gentle book that captures the imagination.
I received a free copy of this picture book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
I love the soft watercolors of this book! The book is a whimsical look first at the things you can’t do with a bubble (like put it in your toy box or treat it like a pet) and then the things you can do, like gently blow on it to make it dance. This book will probably make your child want to make bubbles to see what they can (and can’t) do with them, so have the solution read. A sweet, gentle book that captures the imagination.
I received a free copy of this picture book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
August 21, 2021
Children like bubbles and even adults do like them too. This book is mostly about what you can’t do with a bubble because there are only a couple of things you can do with them until they pop and disappear. Beautifully illustrated with watercolours
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 2, 2021
Oh my goodness, but this is such a lovely and sweet story! And it has such a surprisingly powerful message about valuing things while we have them for what they are and not expecting them to be something they are not...
Wyle has done a remarkable job capturing the transient beauty not only of bubbles but of childhood, and the myriad experiences contained within, and Kalla's illustrations are absolutely stunning.
This is a beautiful book and my new go-to baby shower gift!
Thank you to the author for my obligation-free digital review copy. Now I'm going out to buy a hard copy because this is one I want for the shelves!
Wyle has done a remarkable job capturing the transient beauty not only of bubbles but of childhood, and the myriad experiences contained within, and Kalla's illustrations are absolutely stunning.
This is a beautiful book and my new go-to baby shower gift!
Thank you to the author for my obligation-free digital review copy. Now I'm going out to buy a hard copy because this is one I want for the shelves!
July 23, 2021
Wonderful story
You Can't Kiss A Bubble is a wonderous simple story, but it has a lot of meaning behind the fascination of bubbles. They don't last forever, and they are very interesting for children of all ages (meaning adults as well) I have read work from this author before, and I really enjoyed it. This was a different story from what I've read from Wyle before, but it is obvious that this writer is very talented in many genres, and this one, though, simple, had the best meaning of all, cherish the moments. And kudos to the illustrator who made the great illustrations tell the story as well. A grand read for all, and cherish the read as well. This author is not just a writer but a great storyteller. You Can't Kiss A Bubble is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I look forward to reading many more stories by this author.
You Can't Kiss A Bubble is a wonderous simple story, but it has a lot of meaning behind the fascination of bubbles. They don't last forever, and they are very interesting for children of all ages (meaning adults as well) I have read work from this author before, and I really enjoyed it. This was a different story from what I've read from Wyle before, but it is obvious that this writer is very talented in many genres, and this one, though, simple, had the best meaning of all, cherish the moments. And kudos to the illustrator who made the great illustrations tell the story as well. A grand read for all, and cherish the read as well. This author is not just a writer but a great storyteller. You Can't Kiss A Bubble is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I look forward to reading many more stories by this author.
July 23, 2021
Looking for great poetry books in prose?
Do not look further.
You will fall in love with the story and the illustrations - both as gentle and lyrical as a bubble.
With its well-chosen words and rhythm, this little story could be your child's perfect companion.
True, you can't take a bubble to a friend's house.
But you can always take YOU CAN'T KISS A BUBBLE to a friend's house and read it.
Just the two of you.
And make some bubbles after that.
Bravo, Karen!
Do not look further.
You will fall in love with the story and the illustrations - both as gentle and lyrical as a bubble.
With its well-chosen words and rhythm, this little story could be your child's perfect companion.
True, you can't take a bubble to a friend's house.
But you can always take YOU CAN'T KISS A BUBBLE to a friend's house and read it.
Just the two of you.
And make some bubbles after that.
Bravo, Karen!
October 16, 2021
I recruited LBG, my 8-year-old granddaughter, to read this with me and to get her impressions. She had a fun time taking turns reading the story out loud with me and was able to work out the few words that stretched her reading vocabulary. (That there were a few of those was a positive, in my mind.) LBG was amused by the story and thought it was deserving of a high ranking. I’m not sure if she could put into words the lesson that is inherent in the story, but I did get the feeling that she understood that lesson on some level.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
October 13, 2023
The title of this book is well-chosen. It most definitely pulled me and my son in! You *can't* kiss a bubble? This delightful story will take your imagination for a ride as it weaves you gently through to a heartwarming message that we all need to hear. The words are carried by soothing, soft watercolor-painted illustrations. Through the wondrous eyes of children, you will find your mind stretching as it watches the bubbles on each page show you why you can't, in fact, kiss a bubble, but perhaps there is so much more to do with it.
My personal opinion is that simple stories take beautiful thoughts farther and deeper into a child's mind and this one definitely hits that mark!
My personal opinion is that simple stories take beautiful thoughts farther and deeper into a child's mind and this one definitely hits that mark!
September 21, 2022
How can one not enjoy bubbles? I love them even as old as I am! The story is so fun and lively discussing the things you can and can't exactly do with bubbles. Cute adorable illustrations. A must have for any children's library!
May 7, 2025
Sweet story that will be fun when we do bubbles at school.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews