Osculation is the name of the game in this cheerful little tale packed full of love. From sunrise to sunset, a tot explores his family’s favorite form of smooching. Mama favors good morning kisses to start the day while Papa enjoys kisses redolent of shaving cream and juice, just enough to last the entire day. Even the family dog and a friendly bird are petitioned for their preferred form of salutes, involving wet noses and wriggly worms. The simple story concludes with a medley of the little one’s most beloved expressions of affection. Nakata’s (The Garden That We Grew, p. 802, etc.) bright artwork combined with the playful layout of the pages is integral to the overall appeal. Double flaps ingeniously expand the illustrations—each turn of the flap whimsically depicts a favorite type of kiss, ultimately unfolding to reveal an oversized illustration. Rendered in a bright palette of colors, Nakata features inviting scenes of a merry little bear and his loving family. A warm and cozy depiction of the contented bliss of a well-loved child. (Picture book. 2-5)
