KISS IT BETTER

This book extols all the wondrous things that kisses can make better.

From boo-boos and bruises to just feeling down, kisses can fix it all. And “did you know, kisses can actually speak?” There are “I’m-sorry” kisses to make amends and ask, “Can we be friends?” and there are all kinds that make the first-day-of-school morning easier: “cheer-up,” “be-brave,” and “see-you-soon” kisses. “A go-to-sleep kiss shouts out, ‘MONSTERS, SHOO!’ ” There are smooches for thunderstorms and busses for those who are sick, and no matter how old or young, tall or small, the supply of kisses will never run out…nor does the need for them. Though the words sometimes seem chosen less for their meaning than for their rhyme, the rhythm will only occasionally cause readers to stumble. Massini’s digital mixed-media and collage illustrations use vignettes, full-page, and double-page pictures to depict a bear family—mother, father, sister, brother (relying on clothing and accessories to denote gender)—and use a light palette and lots of hearts to convey the sweet message. And yet, it all seems to be something of a statement of the obvious.

While it’s certainly true that kisses make most things better, most kids don’t need yet another book, no matter how sweet, to tell them so.