TREASURE CHEST OF KISSES

Eiko and Thy present a picture book with a magical story about a caregiver’s love for their child.

In this brief tale, a treasure chest stores kisses from loved ones, and a child is able to use them to comfort themselves in times of trouble; it “refills on its own, so you'll always have plenty.” The youngster is told by the loving narrator that when they’re separated from their parent and miss them, the chest holds their love. Generational love is held within the chest as well: “What about Nana and all the kisses you got? You inherited them, and now they're part of your lot.” The narrator is a parental figure, but there are a few places where the child speaks in first person, signified by a different typeface. The text feels repetitious in places, but it keeps a consistent tone. Eiko, in an author’s note, writes about the inspiration for the book, which refers to a deeply personal and difficult time in her life. The stylish illustrations are adorable and fanciful, particularly in the nature scenes; the warm color palette has a cozy 1970s feel. The sketchy, stylized endpapers, however, don’t match the overall feel and seem unfinished.

A well-illustrated tale that’s full of whimsy and affection.