Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet read-aloud story models consent and communication.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In RISSY NO KISSIES, Rissy is a young little lovebird who doesn't like kisses. All the other chicks in the nest love them and don't understand why she doesn't. Her grandma gets mad and thinks Rissy is rude when she doesn't want a kiss, and her friends think she's mad at them when she declines a kiss. Rissy worries that her feelings about kisses are weird and shameful, but her parents help her communicate to her loved ones that she loves them but doesn't want kisses.
Is It Any Good?
Lovely rhymes and sweet illustrations beautifully capture a young bird's struggle to communicate that she doesn't like what other birds think is normal. Rissy No Kissies is a great read-aloud story about consent for very young kids, advocating for yourself, and understanding that everyone's expectations and comfort levels are different. The colorful illustrations capture Rissy's worry and discomfort, and her relief when her parents happily stand by her and help her navigate the situation.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Rissy might feel uncomfortable when speaking up about not wanting to kiss in Rissy No Kissies. What emotions do you think Rissy might be feeling? What do you think it would be like to speak up about something like that?
Who are some trusted grownups in your community? What would you want them to say to a kid who has the same feelings as Rissy?
What can people do to make it easier to speak up? What would make it harder? Why is it so important to communicate what your feeling and so important foe others to respect what you're asking for when it comes to your body?
Book Details
- Author: Katey Howes
- Illustrator: Jess Engel
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Activism , Great Boy Role Models , Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Communication
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Carolrhoda Books
- Publication date: March 2, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 2 - 8
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: February 6, 2024
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