Father's Day Gift Giving Guide -- The Best Kind of Kiss by Margaret Allum (Review)

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
• Hardcover: 24 pages
• Publisher: Walker Childrens; 1 edition (December 6, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802722741
• ISBN-13: 978-0802722744
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 9.7 x 0.5 inches 
• Buy now for only $11.24.

Summary:

A little girl likes all kinds of kisses, including a fluffy kiss from a cat and a fluttery kiss from a butterfly. And she gets a smelly-yelly brother kiss. But her favorite kiss of all is a bristly, growly, daddy kiss. Full of whimsy and charm, readers will agree: this is the best kind of book.

My Thoughts:

One of Savannah's favorite things to do at bedtime is have her Daddy read to her.  I read to her before her afternoon nap, as well snuggle on the couch together.  After each book, I follow up with a big bear hug and wet kiss. ;-)  And, at night time, Savannah snuggles in bed, while Daddy reads a few of her favorite books to her.  I received this book a couple of months ago, but have been holding it aside to share with my husband as part of his Father's Day gift from Savannah.  I was hoping to keep it hidden until Father's Day, but he found it the other day, when we were moving around one of the spare rooms.  At first, he didn't think anything of it, and quickly glanced at it.  But, that night, he asked for the book and after reading it with Savannah, said it was one of her favorites.  Savannah loves giving everyone kisses, including her two dogs, her stuffed animals, her little sister Arabella, Nana and Papa, Mommy and especially Daddy.  And, when Daddy has stubble on his face, she lets him know by telling him "no soft."  And, by the next morning, his face is clean shaven as he leans in to give Savannah a kiss goodbye, before heading to work.  She always responds with a big hug around his neck and "love you" back.  I love watching the two of them bond together.  But, my favorite part of all is watching him read to her and have repeat back some of the words she has heard him say.  

On a few occasions, I have tried to read some of these Daddy and Me books, but she stops me before I begin, telling me "No, Daddy's books," as she takes them from my hands.  Then, she grabs a book that we have read together, and asks me to read them.  It is amazing how she knows which books are the ones she reads with her Dad, and which ones are Mommy and Me books.  But, after reading this book by myself, I can see why she loves having this book read to her by Daddy.  And, he always finishing with a dozen kisses.

If you are looking for a cute book to give to your husband for Father's Day, which he can read to your children, then this book is a must have book.  They will both enjoy reading this book together, all while admiring the beautifully illustrated pages depicting the different types of kisses the little girl likes to give.

About the Author:

Margaret Allum worked in a children's publishing house in London before moving to Sydney with her husband and young daughter.  Her previous titles include How Many Peas in a Pod? and Happy Christmas, Little Bear.

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this book by the author, in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.