Huggy Kissy/Abrazos y besitos: A Sweet Bilingual Journey of Love
As a mom of two energetic little ones, bedtime can sometimes feel like a circus—even on a good night! Just the other evening, after a long day filled with toddler tantrums and sweet snuggles, we found ourselves nestled into our cozy reading corner, ready to dive into a new story. That’s when we unfolded Huggy Kissy/Abrazos y besitos by Leslie Patricelli. The vibrant cover instantly caught their attention, and I knew we had struck a reading goldmine.
Summary of a Joyful Read
This delightful board book is a heartwarming tribute to all the sweet ways families express love, illustrated through the antics of the most adorable bald baby you’ll ever meet. From “uppy” lifts from Mommy to tummy kisses from Daddy, each page showcases a different display of affection, complete with cheerful, cartoonish characters that radiate joy. What I love about this book is how it captures the simplicity and warmth of family love, reminding us all of the little gestures that can make even the roughest days feel brighter.
Captivating Illustrations and Relatable Moments
Leslie Patricelli’s illustrations are just about as charming as they come—colorful, engaging, and full of delightful expressions that had my kiddos giggling. Every page turned led to exclamations, with my youngest imitating the characters’ silly faces and my oldest chiming in with “more snuggles, please!” The dual-language format (English and Spanish) not only kept my kids engaged but also sparked curiosity about languages. “What’s ‘besito’ mean, Mama?” was a question that led us down a playful rabbit hole of translation and cultural sharing.
One of our favorite parts was when the baby’s family snuggled together for a cozy moment, and my daughter, always the little caretaker, said, “Can we do that, too?” It was playful yet profound, and it turned our reading time into a moment of connection that lingered long after closing the book.
Sweet, Funny, and Surprisingly Meaningful Reactions
I was pleasantly surprised at how Huggy Kissy sparked tender conversations about affection. My son, who usually avoids mushy talk like it’s a cootie petri dish, suddenly leaned closer and whispered, “I love hugs, Mama!” It melted my heart. We spent a few more minutes talking about our own little family rituals—like our goofy “silly dance hug” and the way we blow kisses from across the room.
Every time we read this book, there’s a newfound energy and excitement. One particularly cozy session, my little ones couldn’t stop delivering their own “hugs and kisses” to each other, which was an adorable scene that I couldn’t help but capture—moments like these are what make parenting so rewarding.
Conclusion: A Must-Read for Families
I wholeheartedly recommend Huggy Kissy/Abrazos y besitos for toddlers and early readers. Its joyful message resonates with children’s natural curiosity about love, and its playful language and illustrations are sure to captivate. This book will become a cherished part of our library, a delightful reminder of the many ways we share affection as a family.
Whether your child is just exploring language or already develops a love for stories, this delightful bilingual journey will bring smiles, giggles, and plenty of warm, fuzzy feelings. It’s definitely a new family favorite—a perfect blend of love, laughter, and learning, all wrapped up in one delightful package! ❤️📚
Snuggle Up with Love: A Bilingual Adventure for Little Ones! >>
