Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends. Today’s selection is special for several reasons: the author is one of my Storm Agency sisters, the book just launched this month, and the topic of body autonomy and consent is one that used to be ignored, but is finally finding its way into conversations…and books!
I can remember when the aunties would come over – and cheek pinching and hug squishing would occur, whether I wanted it or not. I know there will be many children who relate to the main character in this story.
RISSY NO KISSIES
Written by Katey Howes
Illustrated by Jess Engle
Published by CarolRhoda (March 1, 2021)
Ages: 4-8
Themes: Body autonomy and consent, be true to yourself
Synopsis: From Amazon
A lovebird who doesn’t like kisses?!
Rissy’s friends and family wonder if she’s sick, confused, or rude. But kisses make Rissy uncomfortable. Can one little lovebird show everyone that there’s no one right way to show you care?
Rissy No Kissies carries the message that “your body and your heart are yours, and you choose how to share.” A note at the end provides further information for kids, parents, and educators about body autonomy, consent, and different ways to show affection.

“This is an artistic gem for consent discussions, sensory-processing contexts, and anyone who champions children’s agency and bodily autonomy. Radiant.”―starred, Kirkus Reviews

Why I love this book:
- The writing: I love the clever rhyme that engages the reader and gets the point across – our body is our own – and how we show affection is a personal matter.
- The illustrations: Vibrant color and kid-friendly art will keep the reader turning the pages.
- I’m a big fan of stories that entertain, engage, and educate…and this one wins on all counts!
RELATED ACTIVITIES

I know that Valentine’s Day is over, but we can show others we love them all through the year. Here are a bunch of lovely crafts that your kids can create and give to those they want to say I love you to – without the smooch or the hug. And with Covid issues, any one of these would be the perfect message to send to a grandparent or other relative they are missing.
For detailed instructions: https://handsonaswegrow.com/20-love-crafts-activities-kids/
And as they used to say on the Looney Tunes Cartoons…that’s not all, folks! Author Katey Howes is generously offering a copy of RISSY NO KISSIES as a giveaway AND some very cool swag! Please leave a comment and also share the post on social media for extra tickets in the giveaway hat. And please don’t forget to put it on your ‘want to read’ shelf on Goodreads!
For more wonderful picture book reviews and activities, please check out Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Friday post.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. See you next week for more Cover Reveals and Picture Book posts!
I’m really excited to check this one out, Katey! I loved your kids gifts for the launch. I think that this and Dont Hug Doug will make for a great pairing and discussion with my 4 year old. Best of luck with the launch!
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Thanks, Kelly!! And if you and your little one would like to join Carrie Finison and I for a story time featuring both RISSY NO KISSIES and DON’T HUG DOUG, you can find the info on the events page of my website. It’s hosted by Bookbug Kalamazoo and tickets to attend are free!
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I too, love stories that engage and educate! This one is perfect! ❤️
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Thank you, Kristle! Happy reading!
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I’ve heard such great things about this story! Thanks for the post & giveaway!
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Thank you, Jessica! I hope you enjoy the book.
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Interested story. I love the illustrations. Good cocept.
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Thank you, Thelia! I hope you get a chance to check it out from the library or pick up a copy!
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Looking forward to reading this book, Katey! Congratulations!
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Thank you, Rose, for all your support! I think you’ll really enjoy it. Be well!
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Wonderful discussion topic and beautiful illustrations. This book is popping up everywhere on social media.
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Well that’s what I love to hear!! Thank you, Jennifer! And the illustrator has said she’ll be posting a “how I draw Rissy” video on her YouTube soon, too! I love her watercolor tutorials.
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This sounds wonderful. I can’t wait to read it.
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Thanks so much, Dee!! Enjoy – and good luck!
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Congrats Katey! This sounds adorable, with a beautiful and important message. AND I love that it rhymes! Go Rhymers! 🙂
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Thank you, Rebecca! I try to hold back the urge to rhyme, but some books just insist on being written that way!
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The cover alone makes me happy!
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Thanks, Tammi! One of the reviews calls her a “watercolor gumdrop of a a lovebird” and I think that’s a perfect description! Jess Engle knocked this character out of the park.
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Looks wonderful on all fronts — rhyme, illustrations, message communicated.
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Thank you, Elizabeth! Good luck!
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Congrats Katey. This looks like a fabulous book. I’m looking forward to checking it out.
The illustrations are adorable too.
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Thank you , Deborah! I hope you enjoy it!!
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An important book that is also adorable. Congratulations!
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thank you, Claire!!
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This book looks wonderful. Congrats, Katey!
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Thank so much, Marci. Happy reading!
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Every once in a while, we meet someone who pulls away to avoid hugs or kisses and simply needs to receive this sort of attention in other ways. I smiled at the story because I have two birds who love beak kisses and say, “Kiss, kiss!” followed by smoochy sounds. (Yes, I taught them that. 🙂 ) I’m looking forward to reading this book. The story and the rhymes look wonderful.
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Oh my gosh, that sounds delightfully cute! Give your birds a feather five from Rissy and me!
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Congratulations Katey! Such a great story and awareness. Starting young ones early to know what feels good or not is very important. Thank you for reopening doors and discussions.
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I really appreciate this – and agree! It’s never to soon to talk about boundaries, preferences, and respect!
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Congratulations Katey! I look forward to reading this!
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Thank you, Elizabeth! Happy reading and good luck.
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Congratulations, Katey, on your latest! Looks gorgeous & what an important topic!
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Thanks, Patricia! I hope you enjoy reading it! All the best to you.
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Congratulations on creating such a poignant and attractive story!
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Thank you and best of luck!
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Book looks great! Look forward to reading it!
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Thank you very much! Happy reading!
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This is an important book and I’m so glad this topic has made it to picture books. I recently read Don’t Hug Doug (he doesn’t like it), so publishers are recognizing the need for books like this. I shared on tumblr: https://yesreaderwriterpoetmusician.tumblr.com/post/645471116472827904/via-perfect-picture-book-friday-rissy-no-kissies
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Thanks so much for sharing! Yes, I love Don’t Hug Doug – and the trend in Kidliterati to talk more about boundaries and consent. You might also check out Madeline Valentine’s new book: More Than Fluff.
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What a delightful book about boundaries. Not all kids liked being kissed and touch! This will pair beautifully with Don’t Hug Doug! Katey, my sister-in-law nearly shares your name — Katie Howe. And my maiden name is Howe. Every time I see your name pop up, I feel some twinge of connection. Congratulations on such an important book. Will have to check it out!
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What a fun coincidence, Patricia! Thanks for the connection – and the praise for the book. All the best!
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So wonderful! I love the story and the illustrations! Can’t wait to read it. Best wishes!
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Thank you, Angie. Happy reading!
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I have heard great things about this book! I can’t wait to read it!
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That’s so good to hear! Happy reading!
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What a precious way to teach children the art of saying “please respect my body”! Can’t wait to read to the grands.
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That sounds like a good time. I miss reading with my little nephew!
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Can’t wait to read this book. I’ll pass this post onto my local library. I also added it to my Goodreads Want to Read list.
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So kind of you, thank you! Happy reading!
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Love the way this book so gently introduces the idea of consent, and what gorgeous illustrations! Adding to my ‘want to read’ list!
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Thank to so much, Katie! I agree, Jess Engle’s illustrations are fantastic. She just posted a great IG video about illustrating this book, if you want to check it out. She’s @studioxjess on IG
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Congratulations, Katey! I love that your book and a few other recent releases have a great story that allows for conversation with children that they can say no. I can’t wait to read it.
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Thanks so much! I’m very excited to see children’s publishing focusing on social-emotional issues that have been overlooked in the past.
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I can’t wait to read this!!!! Congrats, Katey!!
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Thank you, Jilanne! Happy reading!
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Congratulations, Katey! This book sounds like a winner and I love the illustrations!
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Thank you, Janet!
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I am having difficulty leaving replies but am enjoying the creativity and individuality of everyone’s submissions. Best, Deb
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I can see why everyone wants to kiss Rissy — she’s adorable! This looks like a fun (and funny) book with an important message.
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Thank you, Janet! Happy reading!
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Oh this looks wonderful!!! I can’t wait to read this.
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Thank. you, Rhett! I hope you enjoy it!
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I can’t wait to read this, Katey, and I hope I win! It’s on my “to-read” list and I’ve shared on social media. I love your books!
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Thank you so much, Carrie! You’ve been such an inspiration and support on this writing journey. Good luck – and happy reading!
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I love this book for bringing up the important discussion of advocating for how you want to receive affection ( and how not to!) Yay Katey!
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I love the concept of this book. My granddaughter is one who isn’t fond of kissy hellos or goodbyes.
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Congratulations Katey! This book looks fabulous. I can’t wait to read it!
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