March 16 – Lips Appreciation Day

Happy Lips Appreciation Day!

Eating, Speaking, Facial Expressions, and Kissing! Yes, for all those things I am appreciative.  Let’s hear it for the lips!

The first picture book that came to mind when I thought about lips was The Kissing Hand, by Audrey Penn.  Published in 1993, it became an instant classic among preschoolers and kindergarteners.

Chester is a little raccoon who is afraid of leaving his mother and going to school. His mother takes his little hand in her own and kisses the center of his palm.  Chester knew his mother’s love with go with him wherever he went.  The illustrations by Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak are beautiful and sensitive.  In quiet colors they express a mother’s love splendidly.

But I think my favorite part of the story is when Chester turns to his mother before he dances off to his treehouse school and kisses the palm of her hand so she won’t be lonely without him.  My heart melts when I read that page!

I’ve included a reading of the book for you in case you don’t have a copy at your fingertips.  Watch it with someone you love and share the tenderness.