The Plan
Books
Big Hugs, Little Hugs by Felicia Bond
The Biggest Kiss by Joanna Walsh and Judi Abbot
I Kissed the Baby by Mary Murphy
Kitty’s Cuddles by Jane Cabrera
Plant a Kiss by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Extension Activities
Flannelboard: “Who Should I Kiss Today?”
I have five little kisses that I want to give away.
Who should I kiss today?
I’ll kiss…Mommy!
(count down using the family set; for the last kiss, have parents kiss kids)
Credit: Storytime Secrets
Action: “Different Kinds of Kisses”
Grandma kisses (grab cheeks and squeeze)
Fish kisses (purse lips and move them)
Movie star kisses (blow big ones)
Rabbit kisses (wiggle nose)
Dog kisses (stick out your tongue and lick)
Credit: SurLaLune Storytime
Action Rhyme: “I Can Hug”
I can hug, hug, hug
I can hop, hop, hop
I can kiss, kiss, kiss
I can stop, stop, stop
I can nod my head for yes,
And I can shake my head no,
And I can sit down very slow.
Credit: SurLaLune Storytime
Action Rhyme: “Give Mom a Hug”
Roar like a lion, growl like a bear
Give Mom a hug, show her you care
Hop like a bunny, flap like a bird
Quiet as a mouse now, don’t say a word
Credit: SurLaLune Storytime
Craft
I was partly inspired by this Pinterest pin and just added the Xs and Os for the hugs and kisses. Some of the kids covered their wreaths, others only sparsely put down hearts.
How It Went
This was our first storytime session after a three-week break, so I was really happy to see the kids again. I had seven returning kids and parents, and one brand-new family! (The first week back it always a bit low, attendance-wise.) The kids were super excited to be back, and I did not have anyone grossed out by kisses. I had a ton of sweet parent/child interactions with kissing and hugging. And the kids were thrilled with Applesauce’s puppy kisses at the end of storytime. My favorite part was at the end of Kitty’s Cuddles when one of my siblings sets gave each other hugs on the baby brother page spread. SO CUTE.
I love doing a hugs and kisses theme for Valentine’s Day week. Some of my fave books: How About a Kiss for Me?, Kiss Kiss, and Big Bear Hug.
I will add those to my list for whenever I get around to repeating this theme! Thanks for the suggestions!