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!
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!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a fun coincidence, Patricia! Thanks for the connection – and the praise for the book. All the best!
LikeLike
So wonderful! I love the story and the illustrations! Can’t wait to read it. Best wishes!
LikeLike
Thank you, Angie. Happy reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have heard great things about this book! I can’t wait to read it!
LikeLike
That’s so good to hear! Happy reading!
LikeLike
What a precious way to teach children the art of saying “please respect my body”! Can’t wait to read to the grands.
LikeLike
That sounds like a good time. I miss reading with my little nephew!
LikeLike
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.
LikeLike
So kind of you, thank you! Happy reading!
LikeLike
Love the way this book so gently introduces the idea of consent, and what gorgeous illustrations! Adding to my ‘want to read’ list!
LikeLike
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
LikeLike
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.
LikeLike
Thanks so much! I’m very excited to see children’s publishing focusing on social-emotional issues that have been overlooked in the past.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t wait to read this!!!! Congrats, Katey!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jilanne! Happy reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations, Katey! This book sounds like a winner and I love the illustrations!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Janet!
LikeLike
I am having difficulty leaving replies but am enjoying the creativity and individuality of everyone’s submissions. Best, Deb
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can see why everyone wants to kiss Rissy — she’s adorable! This looks like a fun (and funny) book with an important message.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Janet! Happy reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh this looks wonderful!!! I can’t wait to read this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank. you, Rhett! I hope you enjoy it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Carrie! You’ve been such an inspiration and support on this writing journey. Good luck – and happy reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the concept of this book. My granddaughter is one who isn’t fond of kissy hellos or goodbyes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations Katey! This book looks fabulous. I can’t wait to read it!
LikeLike