Kisses for Daddy, by Frances Watts and David Legge, tells the story of a grumpy Baby Bear who refuses to go to bed, take his bath, or kiss his daddy. In response, Daddy Bear tells Baby Bear about different kinds of animal kisses (giraffe kisses, alligator kisses, etc.), distracting him from the fact that Daddy Bear is taking him through their nightly bedtime routine. As the story ends, Baby Bear is in a much better mood and finally gives Daddy Bear hugs and kisses.

Kisses for Daddy is an endearing children’s book that will allow children and parents to cuddle and show affection as they read through the story of Baby Bear’s bedtime routine. The story by Watts is an amusing, if simple, story with a semi-unique focus on father-child relationships: though plenty of stories focus on mothers and their roles raising children, few show fathers in such a loving, tender fashion. While the text of the book is amusing, the artistic style of illustrator David Legge is slightly disconcerting, with CGI artwork that seems strangely artificial for such a loving book. However, regardless of its flaws, Kisses for Daddy is going to become a nightly bedtime story for my daughter in a few months, once she’s cognizant and able to respond to longer picture books. A book like this one provides a good opportunity for fathers and their children to bond and show affection.

Citation:
Watts, Frances, and David Legge. Kisses for Daddy. Surrey Hills, NSW, Australia: Little Hare, 2008. Print. ( )

Little Bear doesn't want to get ready to go to bed. He kisses his mama but refuses to kiss his papa. Papa picks him up and gives him giraffe kisses, etc. He helps little bear take a bath, get into his pajamas and get into bed. As he is leaving baby bear calls his daddy. He needs to give him a great big bear hug and a great big bear kiss. I loved this book. It was so full of emotions. ( )