Sassafras is a young skunk who feels different, unliked, and embarrassed for the fact that he sometimes STINKS. He learns that every living creature has something about him or her that is different, but "different" can also mean unique and wonderful. With the help of friends, family, and others with problems of their own, he learns that the "stink" is what makes him special, even heroic. All kids are special. They just need to be told. Sassafras is funny and fun and teaches us all a very important lesson. Acceptance.

Terrific little book for your primary grade reader. The illustrations are warm, and the skunk is adorable. A great complement to this book is "Why Can't I Spray Today?" by Francine Poppo Rich, which is a beautifully written and illustrated children's book for the younger reader (ages 2-5).

I need this book because my cousin has this problema and he is in crithic level.

I agree with Publisher's Weekly in giving this Spanish translation of The Kissing Hand a 5 star review. Connecting with our children is a number one priority, and this story does just that. Young Chester leaves the comfort of his home for school, but brings along his mother's love in the form of a kiss that warms his heart and soul. Chester returns this love by placing a kiss in his mother's palm, allowing her the same comfort. Chester feels safe and secure carrying this bit of reality shared by raccoon parents and cubs.

Chester is about to start school and he's terribly nervous. In a single, calming gesture, his Mom helps him feel loved and secure by kissing the center of his hand. She reminds Chester that her love is always right there and if he should feel frightened or scared or lonely he should simply hold the hand to his cheek and he will feel her love.
We read it just before our son began kindergarten on September 5, 2001 for several days in a row. Although he had been attending Day Care since birth, this was still a new experience for him and he was naturally nervous. So now, each morning we kiss his palm and send him off on the bus. It's a wonderful new ritual.
September 11, 2001 began a tremendously difficult time in our country. Our children are 4 and 5, and we have been reading this nearly every night since then. A friend's daughter was having terrible nightmares and great fears about not seeing her Daddy (he's a Police Officer currently assigned to Ground Zero). We lent them the book to read to her. Her Mom now tells me she is sleeping soundly as long as she has been kissed in the palm of her hand.
Sweet Dreams, America and the world.

Poor little Chester, the racoon, it's time for him to go off to school and he doesn't want to leave his mother. Mother knows that Chester will love school once he gets there. There'll be new friends to meet, new toys to play with, new books to read and even a new swing to swing on. So she tells him a special secret about the "kissing hand". She takes his little hand, spreads the fingers and places a kiss right in the middle of his palm. Now when he feels lonely and needs a little love from home, he can press his hand against his cheek and know his mother's love will be with him. And, before he scampers off to school, he gives his mother the kissing hand too, so that she won't miss him too much, while he's away..... Audrey Penn has written a sweet, endearing story to help little ones face those scary feelings on their first days of separation. Her gentle text is complimented by expressive, detailed illustrations and together will let youngsters know that they're not alone out there in the world. The Kissing Hand is the perfect bedtime story, pre-schoolers will want to read again and again and makes a wonderful addition to all home libraries.

Chester Racoon and his mother prepare for Chester's first "night" at school. He is a little apprehensive, and, of course, he wants to stay home with his mom. Mrs. Racoon shares a secret with Chester called the Kissing Hand. She kisses Chester's palm and tells him to put it to his cheek when he begins to feel lonely at school. This book makes a great gift for a child entering school or going to camp for the first time, or for any occasion where a child will be temporarily separated from home and loved ones. It can also be used to help a child through the death of a parent or special loved one, and for children placed in foster families and residential facilities. For teachers, this book would be super to read the first day of school. It could also lead up to wonderful science, social studies, and reading/writing activities.

We found out that another parent at our daughters' riding stable was an author when she gave our girls a copy of this book. We read it as soon as we came home from riding. The story is sweet and charming, with a well crafted message of tolerance and open-mindedness. The dialog is well suited for reading aloud, especially with "dramatics" added. The illustrations are beautifully executed, with a whimsy and character that make them very appealing. Recommended for children of all ages.

my mom wrote it and i was with her wile she was writing the book and i always knew that it would turn out so good and it did it is the sweetest book i have ever read.