Kissing Hand
by Audrey Penn
Tanglewood Press 2007
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
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Genre
Themes
- separation anxiety
- parent–child bond
- starting school
- love and reassurance
- coping with change
- courage
- belonging
- emotional growth
About this book
A young raccoon feels nervous about starting school until his mother shares a special family secret: a simple gesture to remind him he’s loved wherever he goes. This gentle, reassuring picture book speaks directly to first-day jitters and separation anxiety. With warm illustrations and a comforting message, it’s a favorite read-aloud for preschool and early elementary children. Parents and teachers love how it opens conversations about feelings and transitions.
Setting: a woodland home and a forest animal school
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kissing Hand right for my child?
Yes — Kissing Hand is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.7, which is typical for 2nd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include separation anxiety, parent–child bond, starting school.
How long does it take to read Kissing Hand?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Kissing Hand takes around 7m to finish. The book has 800 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Kissing Hand have an AR quiz?
Yes — Kissing Hand has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Kissing Hand?
Kissing Hand has an AR reading level of 2.7, which places it at a 2nd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.