For You are a Kenyan Child (Author: Kelly Cunnane / Illustrator: Ana Juan)

A little boy in Kenya is supposed to be watching his grandfather’s cows. But luckily for us, he decides to ramble about his village instead, giving us the chance to meet everyone and see African village life. This is a delightful story with illustrations that somehow manage to perfectly cross a bit of African artistic style with childish whimsy. And it gives you a chance to practice your Swahili. Um, yeah, I’m pretty sure I didn’t get all that right. But I had lots of fun giving it a go! “Hodi!” “Karibu!”

The Kissing Hand (Author: Audrey Penn / Illustrators: Ruth Harper and Nancy Leak)

Chester Raccoon is very nervous about his first night at school. (You remember how raccoons are nocturnal, right?) Mrs. Raccoon tells him she knows a secret that her mother taught her that will help Chester feel loved, even when he is away.

This is a great story for a first day at school or first day of anything new. It is also just a great reminder for kids about how loved they are, no matter where they are at. My boys both wanted kissing hands just because it made them feel good, even though we were part way through an elementary and preschool year at the time of the reading. And, of course, just like Chester in the book, they gave me a kissing hand back so that I would be able to feel their love while they are away at school.

All in all, this is a very sweet story with sweet illustrations that will make you and your child feel wonderful!