Perfect Picture Book Friday: RISSY NO KISSIES Plus Giveaway

Posted on March 12, 2021 by viviankirkfield

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

Photo courtesy: https://handsonaswegrow.com/20-love-crafts-activities-kids/

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!

68 thoughts on “Perfect Picture Book Friday: RISSY NO KISSIES Plus Giveaway”

Kelly Rice Schmitt on March 12, 2021 at 2:15 am said:

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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- kateywrites on March 12, 2021 at 8:54 am said:
  
  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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Kristle on March 12, 2021 at 5:28 am said:

I too, love stories that engage and educate! This one is perfect! ❤️

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- kateywrites on March 12, 2021 at 8:54 am said:
  
  Thank you, Kristle! Happy reading!
  
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Jessica Lawson on March 12, 2021 at 5:54 am said:

I’ve heard such great things about this story! Thanks for the post & giveaway!

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- kateywrites on March 12, 2021 at 8:54 am said:
  
  Thank you, Jessica! I hope you enjoy the book.
  
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Thelia Hutchinson on March 12, 2021 at 7:04 am said:

Interested story. I love the illustrations. Good cocept.

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- kateywrites on March 12, 2021 at 8:55 am said:
  
  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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rosecappelli on March 12, 2021 at 7:10 am said:

Looking forward to reading this book, Katey! Congratulations!

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- kateywrites on March 12, 2021 at 8:56 am said:
  
  Thank you, Rose, for all your support! I think you’ll really enjoy it. Be well!
  
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Jennifer Weingardt on March 12, 2021 at 7:15 am said:

Wonderful discussion topic and beautiful illustrations. This book is popping up everywhere on social media.

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- kateywrites on March 12, 2021 at 8:57 am said:
  
  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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Dee Knabb on March 12, 2021 at 7:37 am said:

This sounds wonderful. I can’t wait to read it.

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- kateywrites on March 12, 2021 at 8:58 am said:
  
  Thanks so much, Dee!! Enjoy – and good luck!
  
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Rebecca Gardyn Levington on March 12, 2021 at 7:56 am said:

Congrats Katey! This sounds adorable, with a beautiful and important message. AND I love that it rhymes! Go Rhymers! 🙂

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- kateywrites on March 12, 2021 at 8:59 am said:
  
  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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tammisauer on March 12, 2021 at 9:02 am said:

The cover alone makes me happy!

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- kateywrites on March 12, 2021 at 9:04 am said:
  
  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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ElizabethSuneby on March 12, 2021 at 9:02 am said:

Looks wonderful on all fronts — rhyme, illustrations, message communicated.

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- kateywrites on March 12, 2021 at 9:04 am said:
  
  Thank you, Elizabeth! Good luck!
  
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Deborah Buschman on March 12, 2021 at 9:07 am said:

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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- kateywrites on March 12, 2021 at 9:14 am said:
  
  Thank you , Deborah! I hope you enjoy it!!
  
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Claire A. B. Freeland on March 12, 2021 at 10:13 am said:

An important book that is also adorable. Congratulations!

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- kateywrites on March 12, 2021 at 11:35 am said:
  
  thank you, Claire!!
  
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Marci Whitehurst on March 12, 2021 at 10:14 am said:

This book looks wonderful. Congrats, Katey!

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- kateywrites on March 12, 2021 at 11:36 am said:
  
  Thank so much, Marci. Happy reading!
  
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Leslie Leibhardt Goodman - Writer on March 12, 2021 at 10:33 am said:

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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- kateywrites on March 12, 2021 at 11:36 am said:
  
  Oh my gosh, that sounds delightfully cute! Give your birds a feather five from Rissy and me!
  
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cc95189 on March 12, 2021 at 10:45 am said:

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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- kateywrites on March 12, 2021 at 11:37 am said:
  
  I really appreciate this – and agree! It’s never to soon to talk about boundaries, preferences, and respect!
  
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curryelizabeth on March 12, 2021 at 10:47 am said:

Congratulations Katey! I look forward to reading this!

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- kateywrites on March 12, 2021 at 11:37 am said:
  
  Thank you, Elizabeth! Happy reading and good luck.
  
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ptnozell on March 12, 2021 at 10:54 am said:

Congratulations, Katey, on your latest! Looks gorgeous & what an important topic!

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- kateywrites on March 12, 2021 at 11:38 am said:
  
  Thanks, Patricia! I hope you enjoy reading it! All the best to you.
  
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Writer on the run on March 12, 2021 at 11:09 am said:

Congratulations on creating such a poignant and attractive story!

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- kateywrites on March 12, 2021 at 11:38 am said:
  
  Thank you and best of luck!
  
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Zachary Snyder on March 12, 2021 at 11:14 am said:

Book looks great! Look forward to reading it!

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- kateywrites on March 12, 2021 at 11:38 am said:
  
  Thank you very much! Happy reading!
  
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danielle hammelef on March 12, 2021 at 12:16 pm said:

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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- kateywrites on March 12, 2021 at 7:56 pm said:
  
  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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