COUNTING KISSES

A tired tot is bundled off to bed with a bevy of smooches from family members in this comforting countdown tale. In joy-filled free verse, Katz (The Colors of Us, 1999, etc.) introduces readers to the numbers ten through one, beginning with ten kisses for ten little toes and concluding with a final salute on one snoozy noggin. To further reinforce the number introduced, tiny pink hearts in the appropriate amount accompany each verse, along with the numeral, highlighted in boldly colored, oversized text. Katz focuses on the plethora of precious attributes that make babies, even cranky and tired ones, so lovable. By highlighting everything from button noses to delicate ears, she provides young readers with an opportunity to learn and identify various parts of their own anatomies. The full-bleed illustrations are presented in a kaleidoscopic swirl of vibrant color combinations. Every page is awash in color, with even the text-only pages steeped in a rainbow selection of colors, from soft periwinkle to sunshine yellow. The combination of colored pencils, gouache, and collage work adds dimension to the illustrations, while intriguing perspectives further the visual impact. The inviting illustrations, portraying cozy images of familial affection, deftly convey the emotional tenor of the tale. As the kissing fest proceeds, with even the family pets contributing a few, the baby’s expression evolves from wailing to merry, eventually settling down to peaceful slumber. A winsome tale perfect for cuddle time with a beloved little one. (Picture book. 1-5)