Way Back Wednesday ~ The Kissing Hand – Audrey Penn

This post is a flash from the past.  It was originally published in 2011.

The Kissing Hand is an old favorite to read at the start of the school year.  Little Chester Raccoon is hesitant to leave his mother’s side and go to school.  She assures him that he will love school once he is busy playing with new toys, new books, and new friends.  She also shares a special secret that has been in their family for years – the kissing hand.  The kissing hand allows a little love from home to be with Chester at all times and gives him the confidence he needs to tackle his first day of school.  Quite simply a heartwarming story that provides true comfort to little ones and perhaps a few Mommies and Daddies too!

If You Take a Mouse to School – Laura Numeroff

If You Take a Mouse to School is a fun read aloud for the beginning of the school year.   Although it does not follow the cyclical pattern of Numeroff’s previous works, it is still an entertaining and engaging read.  The bright, colorful pictures are a delight.  Be sure to pay attention to all of the details within the images…

Annabelle Swift, Kindergartner – Amy Schwartz

Annabelle Swift, Kindergartener is a beginning of the school year classic, and we have been reading and re-reading it at our home the last couple of weeks!  Annabelle’s older sister Lucy attempts to prepare Annabelle for the first days of kindergarten, yet her advice proves less than helpful.  Ultimately, Annabelle’s own mathematical skills serve her well and allow her to shine.

Mommy in My Pocket – Carol Hunt Senderak

Mommy in My Pocket is a wonderfully sweet back to school tale which is tremendously reassuring.  A little girl who is feeling a bit concerned about leaving Mommy and going to school imagines what it might be like if she could wish on a falling star and have her Mommy become pocket-sized in order to be able to take her to school with her.   Ultimately the little girl realizes that even if Mommy isn’t really in her pocket, she always has her Mommy’s love with her.

The Kissing Hand – Audrey Penn

The Kissing Hand is an old favorite to read at the start of the school year.  Little Chester Raccoon is hesitant to leave his mother’s side and go to school.  She assures him that he will love school once he is busy playing with new toys, new books, and new friends.  She also shares a special secret that has been in their family for years – the kissing hand.  The kissing hand allows a little love from home to be with Chester at all times and gives him the confidence he needs to tackle his first day of school.   Quite simply a heartwarming story that provides true comfort to little ones and perhaps a few Mommies and Daddies too!