Counting Kisses

Counting Kisses by Karen Katz is a heartwarming bedtime story designed for young children, particularly those aged 1-2 years. The book is part of the "Classic Board Books" series and has been recognized for its educational and interactive value.

Key Themes

• Interactive Counting: The book encourages children to count and interact with the story by lifting flaps to reveal different body parts where the baby receives kisses.
• Bedtime Routine: The story follows a loving mother as she showers her baby with kisses, mirroring a common bedtime routine.
• Love and Affection: The book emphasizes the love and affection between a mother and her baby, making it a soothing and comforting read.

Plot Summary

The story begins by asking how many kisses a tired baby needs before they say goodnight. The mother then proceeds to give her baby ten little kisses on their toes, five quick kisses on their nose, and so on, counting and kissing different parts of the baby's body. The book is designed to be interactive, with lift-the-flap pages that reveal the various body parts being kissed.

Critical Reception

Positive Reviews:

• Educational Value: Many reviewers praise the book for its ability to practice counting while reading, making it an excellent educational tool for young children.
• Interactive Elements: The lift-the-flap feature and the emphasis on body parts have been praised for encouraging interaction and engagement during reading.
• Emotional Connection: The book's focus on love and affection has been noted as a comforting and soothing bedtime story for little ones.

Mixed Reviews:

• Engagement with Numbers: Some parents have mentioned that their children are not yet ready for numbers, which might affect the book's appeal for all children.
• Creative Interpretation: Some reviewers have suggested alternative adjectives for the animal kisses, indicating a desire for more creative interpretation in the story.

Recognition

• Awards and Recognition: "Counting Kisses" was named one of the 100 Greatest Books for Kids by Scholastic Parent & Child and was a Children's Book-of-the-Month Club Main Selection.

Overall, "Counting Kisses" by Karen Katz is a well-regarded bedtime story that combines educational counting with a heartwarming narrative, making it a delightful read for young children and their parents.