Written by Katey Howes and illustrated by Jess Engles, Rissy No Kissies tells the story of Rissy, a lovebird who, in contrast with all the other lovebirds around her, does NOT like kisses. With lovely images and adorable rhymes, Rissy No Kissies addresses the incredibly important concepts of consent and bodily autonomy in a sweet, child-appropriate way. This is a must-buy for parents and other caretakers of little ones.

Thank you to Carolrhoda Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

Yes Yes YES! 5 huge stars to this empowering and sweet tale about claiming and standing up for what feels right to do with your own body! What an important message!

Rissy the lovebird doesn't like kisses, and although everyone tells her she's rude/mean/sick/etc for refusing kisses, she has to figure out how to stand up for how she feels. There's even a great section in the back for saying what you do like, and how to say no to what you don't like. A great intro to consent.

I loved the message, rhyming words, and gorgeous watercolor illustrations. I'm definitely buying this one for my child!

Thanks so much to Lerner Publishing Group and NetGalley for this advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

Beautiful artwork that should engage even the shortest attention span. Heartfelt and important message that should connect with young (and older) readers and stay with them for a long time.

I loved the cute lovebirds and all the bright colors. The message in this book is such an important one. No one should feel judged for feeling different and boundaries need to be respected.

Rissy No Kissies was a cute and heartwarming read. I loved the author's use of lovebirds to tell a very important message to kids. The n pictures are bright and colorful which will keep kids of all aged engaged. Rissy teaches us that its ok to be unique and its ok to speak up for ourselves. She also teaches us to listen to each others nerds and wants. This message was communicated in a clear and effective manner. Loved it!i

I was attracted to this book because of the really cute bird on the cover and the fun title. This is the story of Rissy, a lovebird who doesn't like to show affection the same way as the rest of her family does, with kisses. She has her own ways, and still loves her family and friends very much.

Some children, like Rissy, are more sensitive to touch. This story is for them, so that they can start to learn other ways of communicating affection.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy in return for an honest opinion.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. Great book about someone who likes things differently than others.

It's a cute story. Somehow I think the story should have kept simple for young readers. Too many words to read.

Rissy No Kisses tells the story of a lovebird chick who doesn't like kisses, and whose loved ones need to realize that she has other ways to show and share affection. It's a lovely, cute little book that uses rhyme, repetition, and simple language to teach young readers about the importance of consent and bodily autonomy. The illustrations by Jess Engle are lovely, a watercolor-style wash of vibrant colors and rounded, expressive figures - plus adorable details like the Nest & Home magazine being read by Mama Lovebird - that perfectly suit the story. The notes about bodily autonomy at the end, one to kids and one to caregivers, are a helpful, informative touch, and the rhyming style of the story is perfect for reading aloud. I'd recommend this to any parent of young children.

Thank you to Carolrhoda Books and NetGalley for the advance review copy!

I love this book, and will definitely be reading it to my kids. It's such a cute book with a great message about body autonomy. Easy to read and teach little kids about speaking up for themselves and to respect other's as well. Plus it has adorable pictures.

"Rissy No Kissies" is a book with nice illustrations, about a little love bird named Rissy who does not want to show affection through kissing. The book takes the reader through situations that the other little love birds enjoy, such as kissing relatives and friends goodbye. When Rissy asks her mother if there is something wrong with her, her mother explains that no, there are lots of ways to show caring for others.

This is a book which teaches kids to protect their bodily autonomy and that it is ok to be different. I recommend this book for children age 2-4, to start a discussion at home about not being forced into hugs and kisses if they are uncomfortable.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Beautifully illustrated, delightfully rhyming, and above all: a clear, age-appropriate lesson on bodily autonomy and consent. This book shows kids that it's okay to not like certain forms of affection (kissing, hugging, etc), and teaches parents how to respect that. All in a way that is approachable and empathetic- the book does an excellent job on focusing on Rissy's emotional journey rather than getting preachy about consent culture.

This is an adorable children's book with a heartfelt message -- and wonderful illustrations to boot! And I agree with Rissy -- "I see love in...cookies," too!

A very important message about "your body and heart are yours, and how you choose to share it is up to you." I think this is an extremely important message for kids growing up. It's important to understand that your body is your own decision and that the ways you choose to share or express your affections is up to you. The story is very cute and easy to understand, which makes it a great read for kids!

Not only is this book filled with cute characters in illustrations, it's a great conversation starter as well. This picture book is a good example of body autonomy that kids will understand and teaches kids how to give consent and respect boundaries when it comes to hugs and kisses.
Many thanks to Carolrhoda Books and NetGalley for the advance copy.

I was given a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I was pleasantly surprised to see this book on NetGalley and was immediately drawn in by the simplistic, brightly contrasting colors and language on the cover. Body autonomy is a concept that is so incredibly important for all children to understand and embrace from the youngest of ages. The language and illustrations were simple and clear; they were stimulating without distracting from this vital message. The notes at the back for kids and for caregivers are simple, straightforward, and clear: your body belongs to you and only you have a right to decide how you express yourself with it. As a parent and a library manager, I fully endorse this book and have already requested this be purchased for our collection. Thank you, Katey Howes and Jess Engle, for bringing this message to our next generation!