All Kinds of Kisses

A boy with fuzzy slippers and strawberry-blonde hair demonstrates different types of kisses—with some help from friendly animals. He nuzzles up to a fawn ("Butterfly kisses—/ are soft gentle things./ Flutter your lashes/ like butterfly wings"), offers a "double cheek kiss" to a chipmunk, and kisses a giraffe on the hand. At home, it's a "whiskery" kiss for his cat and a slobbery kiss for his dog before blowing good-bye kisses to his animal friends and going to bed. The padded cover, Lamont's dusky palette, and Dowdy's simple rhymes convey a cozy, loving world, making this a ready choice for easing into bedtime. Ages 2–5. (Dec.)