Kiss It Better

by Smriti Prasadam-Halls, Sarah Massini (Illustrator)

Overview

From the author of the bestselling I Love You Night and Day comes a gorgeous rhymed celebration of love, family, and lots of kisses!

Every day has its ups and downs
Sometimes you giggle, sometimes you frown.
But the thing to remember, the secret, is this . . .
Everything feels better with the help of a KISS.

There are go-to-sleep kisses, I'm-sorry kisses, I-love-you kisses, and more. For every time of day there's a kiss to go with it, and whether you're big or small, young or old, it always makes you feel better. So the next time you see someone you love, just remember . . . a kiss is the very best gift of all!

A tender expression of love, Kiss It Better is the perfect gift for every parent and child who love Nancy Tillman and Marianne Richmond.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781681191492
Publisher:	Bloomsbury USA
Publication date:	10/18/2016
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.80(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	3 - 6 Years

About the Author

Smriti Prasadam-Halls is a former children's books editor who has written several picture books and novelty books, including the #1 Publishers Weekly bestselling picture book I Love You Night and Day. She lives in England with her husband and three sons.
www.smriti.co.uk

Sarah Massini studied Graphic Design in Manchester and followed careers in corporate design and children's book design before settling down to pursue her life-long dream of illustrating books. Sarah lives in Sussex, UK with her environmentalist husband Peter, her son Mathew, and her mad terrier Tess.
www.sarahmassini.com

Editorial Reviews

"Rhyming homage to all of the things a kiss can fix . . . Massini’s digital mixed-media and collage artwork brings the bears and their surroundings to life . . . The artwork will draw in young readers." —School Library Journal

"Sweet message." - Kirkus Reviews

"This gentle, reassuring story is a calming tale just right for family or group sharing." —School Library Journal on I LOVE YOU NIGHT AND DAY

"Prasadam-Halls's rhymed couplets have a pleasing lilt. . . . The gender-neutral, cross-species portrait of affection gives the book the potential for broad appeal." —Publishers Weekly on I LOVE YOU NIGHT AND DAY

"Massini's large, soft pastel illustrations are very appealing. . . . Perfect for Valentine's Day and any discussion of love on many levels." —Booklist on TULIP LOVES REX

"The cheerful, mixed-media illustrations beautifully convey the sentiments. . . . What's not to love about this charming selection?" —School Library Journal on LOVE ALWAYS EVERYWHERE

From the Publisher

04/01/2016
Toddler-PreS—This rhyming homage to all of the things a kiss can fix features an adorable bear family and lots of hearts. Each time something doesn't go as planned for two young cubs, a family member is ready with a kiss of encouragement. "For did you know kisses can actually speak?/Listen the next time one lands on your cheek." The sentimental text touches on a variety of scenarios, but there's not much story, just an affirmation of a family's unconditional love. Massini's digital mixed-media and collage artwork brings the bears and their surroundings to life. Whether hurt, tender, or joyous, the bears' expressions shine through. Shadows and shading aptly convey time, setting, and, in some cases, even motion. A bevy of hearts representing kisses flow from bear to bear throughout the story. VERDICT A general purchase for one-on-one sharing; the artwork will draw in young readers.—Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA

School Library Journal

2016-07-20
This book extols all the wondrous things that kisses can make better.From boo-boos and bruises to just feeling down, kisses can fix it all. And “did you know, kisses can actually speak?” There are “I’m-sorry” kisses to make amends and ask, “Can we be friends?” and there are all kinds that make the first-day-of-school morning easier: “cheer-up,” “be-brave,” and “see-you-soon” kisses. “A go-to-sleep kiss shouts out, ‘MONSTERS, SHOO!’ ” There are smooches for thunderstorms and busses for those who are sick, and no matter how old or young, tall or small, the supply of kisses will never run out…nor does the need for them. Though the words sometimes seem chosen less for their meaning than for their rhyme, the rhythm will only occasionally cause readers to stumble. Massini’s digital mixed-media and collage illustrations use vignettes, full-page, and double-page pictures to depict a bear family—mother, father, sister, brother (relying on clothing and accessories to denote gender)—and use a light palette and lots of hearts to convey the sweet message. And yet, it all seems to be something of a statement of the obvious. While it’s certainly true that kisses make most things better, most kids don’t need yet another book, no matter how sweet, to tell them so. (Picture book. 2-6)

Kirkus Reviews