Kiss Kiss by Selma Mandine

Published by Golden Books

Pages: 4-8

Ages: 32

Publishers Summary: “What is a kiss like?” That’s what a teddy bear asks a little boy in this sweet and enchanting picture book. From Grandmother’s noisy kisses, to Father’s prickly kisses, to Little Brother’s chocolate kisses, Teddy learns there are many different kinds of kisses—but the best kisses are from the ones you love!

“This sweet little book is just from me to my two little ones. And I’m sure from you to anyone you know who makes your heart flutter when you think about them. No matter the challenges you may face or hardships you encounter there are always those wonderful people in your life that make everything worthwhile.

“Imagine trying to explain what a kiss is and feels like, how it touches you and makes you feel tingly all over. It can make you warm and fuzzy or can tickle and prickle. Think of your sweetest, funniest, wettest, noisiest kiss and then…think of trying to tell a toddler all about it. This is exactly what Kiss Kiss by Selma Mandine does. She tries to tell a little bear just what a kiss is like. Perfect.

“It’s heart warming and funny. And as an adult reading it I actually grinned and teared up a bit. It made me think of all those special times the Turkeybird has run up to get a kiss and a hug from mom or dad. When my Littlebug has rested her head on my shoulder after I asked her for a hug. And every time The Baker has come home from a long day at work or school only to drop everything just to say hello and give me the kiss I longed for the entire time we were separated. This book, simple as it may be, made me think of all those wonderful memories I have stored up.

“Yes, it’s a children’s book, but who cares? It’s tender and sweet and helps you remember that kisses (and hugs) are for those we love. Not just a spouse or a significant other, but everyone in our lives who are important to us. A friend, a parent, a grandparent, a child, a grandchild, a niece, a nephew, a pet, anyone or anything even. This is a very special book and will be in our home for years to come. I encourage you to make it a part of your very own library. If for no other reason than to bring memories you had forgotten back to reality and help you remember to tell those people you love just how much you do love them.

“Happy Valentines Day to all my special readers out there! Your comments and friendship have meant so much on my journey here. Thank you.”

The1stdaughter Recommends: Everyone.

“So, if you had one person you would share this special message with who would it be? I’d love to know who you plan to share this special day with, be it a friend or your treasured pet, I want to hear!”

This book was purchased for our home library.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with Amazon.com.

Recommend Me is a weekly event hosted by Kate at The Neverending Shelf. All you have to do to participate is share a book that you loved reading for whatever reason. It can be something you read yesterday or years ago.

Fidgety Fish by Ruth Galloway

Published by Tiger Tales

Pages: 16

Ages: 2-5

Summary: “A little fish is brimming with curiosity and so wriggly and giggly that his mom sends him out of their sea cave to swim…. With its vivid language, many rhyming and onomatopoetic words, brisk pace, and exclamatory style, the book is perfect for reading aloud.” -School Library Journal

Smiley Shark by Ruth Galloway

Published by Tiger Tales

Pages: 18

Ages: 2-5

Summary: Smiley Shark loves to smile, but everyone is afraid of his big, sharp, toothy grin. Catfish, Starfish, and Octopus all swim away from Smiley Shark as fast as they can. His teeth are too scary! When all the fish are caught in a net, though, they need Smiley Shark’s help. A big smile is just what is needed to save the day!

“The Turkeybird here! I’m recovering well and happy to say I’m back to my good old laughing self. To be honest, the dentist was fabulous! But I’ll save that for another day. Today, my mom is letting me take over and recommend some books I think are just perfect for that guy or girl in your life who love to laugh and read. My choices had to be Ruth Galloway’s Smiley Shark and Fidgety Fish!

“Both of these books are great! Fidgety Fish is great because not only does Tiddler, the main character, squirm and wiggle as much as I do he also loves to explore. I love seeing new things and trying out fun new activities and Tiddler does too! Tiddler also finds out that in the end, being at home with mom can sometimes be the best place in the world. In Smiley Shark the shark longs to have a friend to play with, but because his smile is just a bit too big he scares people away. Sometimes I can be a little to excited to meet new friends too, but in the end both Smiley Shark and myself end up with great friends.

“Both of these books are fabulous! I would highly recommend them to your nearest 3 or 4 year old, they will love all the wiggling, squirming, and teeth grinning.”

Other reviews:

Through The Looking Glass Children’s Reviews

5 Minutes for Books

Reading to Know

This book was purchased for our home library.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with Amazon.com.

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

Published by Wendy Lamb Books (A division of Random House)

208 Pages

Ages: 9-12



Publishers Summary: Four mysterious letters change Miranda’s world forever.
By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it’s safe to go, like the local grocery store, and they know whom to avoid, like the crazy guy on the corner. But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a new kid for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda’s mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then Miranda finds a mysterious note scrawled on a tiny slip of paper:
I am coming to save your friend’s life, and my own.
I must ask two favors. First, you must write me a letter.
The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows all about her, including things that have not even happened yet. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she’s too late.

“Words can barely describe how I feel about this book and all it reveals about us as human beings. Miranda is the kind of girl we all are or were. We struggle to find out why things go the way they do and suffer, sometimes in silence, through the changes that happen in our lives. Being about the life of a girl in her early teens it’s easy to assume it’s written only to reveal the paths our lives can take when were young, but it is about much more. Primarily about caring for others and taking an active roll in transforming the lives of those around us. Doing these seemingly small things have the power to transform their lives and ultimately our own character. This is exactly what happens to Miranda. I may be alone in my thinking, but this is the way it touched me.

“Rebecca Stead has beautifully crafted an amazing journey that spans what seems decades when it is only a few months. So many times in my reading of this book I thought I had some part of it completely figured out, only to learn I was just off and the subtle changes made the difference. After reading a bit more about Stead herself I can see where some of the twists come from, because as she says, “The most important thing to know about writing is that there are no rules.” Her imagination takes you places and helps you to feel things you may have not thought about in ages and it’s wonderful.

“My most genuine feeling about the journey of this book was how much I can’t wait to share it with my own children, Littlebug in particular. When things can be so difficult, this book shows a way to make the best of things. It’s truly a book for all ages and very appropriate for a young audience. And although I know it will appeal to younger readers I feel that an adult audience has so much to gain by reading When You Reach Me. As you will find deeper meaning in the relationships you have carried with you through the years.”

“Also, if you have a second, check out Rebecca’s website, it’s so cute and really fun!”

This book was a gift for my birthday to reside in our home library.
Purchasing products by clicking through the links in this post will provide us a modest commission through our affiliate relationship with Amazon.com.