'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Tuesday 2 February 2010

Review: Kisses for Daddy

"Baby Bear was grumbly. He didn’t want to go to bed… and he didn’t want to kiss his mum and dad goodnight.”
So begins this adorable story, in which we are taken through Baby Bear’s bedtime routine. As he has a bath, brushes his teeth, gets into his pyjamas and is tucked into bed, he continually refuses to give Daddy Bear a kiss goodnight.


Daddy Bear tries to convince Baby Bear in his fun, creative Daddy style. First he asks for a bear kiss, then a tall giraffe kiss, an upside down bat kiss and a whiskery mouse kiss, among other animal fun.

The bedtime routine storyline will sound familiar to your child, and the repetitive answers from Baby Bear (“No! No crocodile kiss for Daddy!”) will have them taking part in the fun, as they receive their very own Daddy kisses.

The beautiful, vibrant illustrations make you fall in love with this book before you even read the story. And the two complement each other perfectly. The pictures of these friendly, furry bears are comforting, making you want to receive your own big bear hugs.

Quiet bedtime stories where your little one cuddles up on your lap are often not the type of story that a Dad feels comfortable with. Kisses For Daddy, however, gives dads the ability to read a gorgeous, affectionate story, while still having fun and actively playing as they read through.

It is sure to become a special favourite between Dads and their little ones, just like it is in our family. And whilst the age of the book is listed as two to five years, even younger children will enjoy it. Just ask my sixteen month-old, whose Dad has had to read the book to her three times while I write this review!

Title: Kisses For Daddy

Author: Frances Watts

Illustrator: David Legge

Publisher: Little Hare Books, A$14.99

Format: Board Book

Language: English

ISBN: 9781921272561

For ages: 2 - 5

Type: Picture Book