The Kissing Hand: questions to ask and activities to try
Chester doesn't want to go to school. The Kissing Hand gives children something real to hold on to when they miss home: a kiss in the palm of their hand.
What age is it for? The Kissing Hand is best for ages 3–6. Good for: Nerves about starting school or being apart.
The Kissing Hand (Audrey Penn)
- Age
- 3-6
- Best for
- Nerves about starting school or being apart
Read it in the week before school or nursery starts. Then try the kissing hand for real, and do it every morning at the door.
What it helps with
- Nerves about starting school or nursery
- Missing a parent during the day
- A simple ritual for goodbyes
- Feeling loved even when apart
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Why didn’t Chester want to go to school?”
- “What did his mother do?”
- “How would the kissing hand help him?”
- “What did Chester give his mother at the end?”
- “What are you looking forward to at school?”
- “What could you do if you miss me?”
5-minute activities to try together
Kissing hands
Give each other a kissing hand at the door every morning. Your child can press it to their cheek whenever they need it.
Heart on a hand
Draw a small heart on both your palms with a washable pen before school, to press when you miss each other.
Free printables: The Kissing Hand worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Owl Babies (Martin Waddell and Patrick Benson)
- Best for
- Missing a parent, and trusting they'll come back
- Age
- 2-5
The Invisible String (Patrice Karst)
- Best for
- Being apart at drop-off, a sleepover or the start of school
- Age
- 4-7
The Name Jar (Yangsook Choi)
- Best for
- Starting somewhere new and wanting to fit in
- Age
- 4-8
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 6 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.