The Kissing Hand

Why It's On Our Shelf

This book has become a go-to for separation anxiety, and for good reason. The idea of a mother's kiss being something a child can carry with them is simple but powerful. Chester doesn't want to go to school, which is relatable, and his mother doesn't dismiss his feelings - she gives him a tool to cope with them. The kissing hand ritual has become something families actually use in real life, which tells you how well the metaphor works. It's gentle without being saccharine, and it addresses real anxiety without being heavy-handed. The illustrations by Ruth Harper and Nancy Leak are soft and comforting, matching the tone perfectly.