A BOOK OF KISSES

PLB 0-06-028453-6 After A Book of Friends (p. 537) and A Book of Hugs (1980, not reviewed), perhaps there is no better topic for Ross and Rader to tackle than kisses. From grandparent kisses to bedtime-story kisses, to car kisses (or smeary window kisses), this book is slathered with osculations. Also listed are butterfly kisses, blown-across-the-room kisses, telephone kisses, and mailed kisses, those lines of Xs about which children are so curious. Definitions, synonyms, and one antonym (“unkissable”) are included, as well as how to say “kiss” in 15 different languages. Rader’s sweet drawings of animals are perfect—naturally a hippo should get a raspberry kiss on its stomach from a squirrel. A volume that may provide the best reason to pucker up since the mass commercialization of Valentine’s Day. (Picture book. 3-6)