TEN KISSES FOR SOPHIE

It’s party planning time, and Sophie happily makes chocolate kisses for the guests—but will there be enough? Once again, Granny saves the day in this heartfelt counting tale.

Sophie, the little mouse heroine, is back, and she’s grown with her readers. From sleeping in a big-girl bed to helping in the kitchen, she’s become one capable rodent. Together with Mama, she whips up a batch of extra-special, pistachio-buttercream–filled chocolate kisses. The 10 pieces, in their glorious detail (mint-green wrappers! candle toppers!) glow like jewels, beckoning to Sophie. But she must wait until the party. To reassure herself there are enough for all, she creates a place card for each guest, counting as she goes: 10 guests, 10 kisses, and all is well. Until an unexpected guest arrives. With not enough kisses to go around, Sophie valiantly tries to hold back her tears. Granny, ever observant and always discreet, quickly accesses the situation and proclaims she’s on a chocolate-free diet, leaving one kiss for Sophie, who happily gobbles it down. Wells’ signature style emanates a warmth and earnestness, perfectly depicting Sophie’s emotions and Granny’s tender response. She takes her exquisitely detailed patterns, fabrics, and textures to a new level, offering a fresh vision in a digital-heavy world.

A successful counting book whose celebration of intergenerational relationships sets it apart.