Reviews

PreS-Gr 3-Chester Raccoon is going to school for the first time and he's nervous. His mother reassures him, and places a kiss in the palm of his hand. Now it's a "kissing hand." Whenever he's lonely or afraid, he can place that hand on his cheek and feel his mother's kiss. Chester gives his mother a kissing hand as well, and heads off to school. This gently reassuring tale by Audrey Penn (Tanglewood, 1993) has been used for many years by parents to prepare young children for new experiences. Here it is performed by Heather Koren, with light, evocative, original background music and occasional sound effects. Owl-hoot page-turn signals are available on the first track. A sweet song has been added, with lyrics by the author, and music by Garth Koren. This gentle story will provide young listeners with a warm, fuzzy feeling of security. This presentation is best used for repeated exposure to the story. The first time should always be while snuggled on a parent's lap, with a kiss ready to be deposited on a small palm.-Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

The Kissing Hand, the 1993 tale of a raccoon reluctant to go to kindergarten for the first time, is now available as a book-and-CD package. The CD contains narration of the story with and without page-turn signals, as well as a new, original tune, "Chester's Song," performed in a sentimental, lullaby-esque/show-tune style with piano accompaniment by Heather Koren. (Tanglewood, $9.95 paperback-and-CD, 24p ages 3-8 ISBN 9781-933718-10-1; June) Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.