Zero Kisses for Me

An English translation of the Italian picture book Zero baci per me!, this sugar-sweet story features a pint-size toddler bear who is fed up with the many kisses he receives. "By the end of the day, I'm worn-out with kisses. I'm tired of being everybody's tootsy-wootsy, everybody's huggy-bear, everybody's kissy-snooks. NO MORE MUSH!" But in the dark with only his stuffed bunny, the bear quickly changes his tune. Dominated by reds, pinks, and yellows, Soumagnac's heavily outlined cartoons are simply and graphically designed, telegraphing the protagonist's irritation and frustration; she adds additional humor by personifying several of the kisses, giving them cutesy heart bodies, striped-stocking feet, and smoochy lips. Framed mostly as the small bear's diatribe, Monari's story also shows off his mother's patience and good humor ("Well, I like to give goodnight kisses, so I guess I'll have to make do with kissing Bunny," she tells him). Although the ending feels abrupt, toddlers who have had to squirm their way out of an aunt or parent's adoring kisses are likely to identify with the feeling of being coddled. Ages 4–7. (Nov.)