Rissy No Kissies

By Katey Howes and Jess Engle

A lovebird who doesn't like kisses?!

Rissy's friends and family wonder if she's sick, confused, or rude. But kisses make Rissy uncomfortable. Can one little lovebird show everyone that there's no one right way to show you care?

Rissy No Kissies carries the message that "your body and your heart are yours, and you choose how to share." A note at the end provides further information for kids, parents, and educators about body autonomy, consent, and different ways to show affection.

"This is an artistic gem for consent discussions, sensory-processing contexts, and anyone who champions children's agency and bodily autonomy. Radiant."—starred, Kirkus Reviews

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lerner Publishing
• Release date: Mar 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9781728424613

Katey Howes

Katey Howes is thrilled to be writing books for children. She is the author of the picture books Magnolia Mudd and the Super Jumptastic Launcher Deluxe, Grandmother Thorn, and Be a Maker. Katey lives in Upper Makefield, Pennsylvania, with her husband and three adventurous daughters.

Book preview

Reviews for Rissy No Kissies

[librarianryan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is all about not liking to get kisses. There are other ways to show love and effecting, and Rissy, just wants other’s to know that. This story is very well done, and the illustrations nicely match. I love the info bits in the end matter that emphasizes not to make a child hug and kiss because just like adults they have body anonymity too. The only thing that keeps this from being a 5 star read is that while the book tries to rhyme, many are harsh and cadence flows, then stops, then changes. Makes it hard to read aloud to a large group of kids.

[kerribrary · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fantastic picture book about consent and figuring out other ways to show or receive affection if you are like Rissy and emphatically chirrup, "NO KISSIES!".

[mrswhatsit2000 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

What to do with a lovebird that does not want kissies? Well, how about respect her wishes and let her be. The author has worked with neurodiverse kids and wrote this book to help families, kids, schools understand and respect boundaries. The illustrations are bright with fun expressions.