A Kiss Goodbye
#3 in Chester the Raccoon Series
What’s inside...
Moving is hard on everyone, but especially children. Chester Racoon, whom readers have come to know and love through the New York Times bestseller The Kissing Hand, and its sequel, A Pocket Full of Kisses, is facing another dilemma common to the lives of many children; he and his family are moving. Young readers will love the way Chester says goodbye to his old home and learns that there are some exciting aspects to his new home.
Character compass
Chester Raccoon
Mrs. Raccoon
Discussion points
How did Chester Raccoon feel when he had to leave his home and how would you feel in his situation?
What do you think a 'Kissing Hand' is and why is it important to Chester?
Can you think of a special goodbye you might use with someone you love?
How do the other animals help Chester feel better about moving?
What does Chester learn about change and new experiences by the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a comforting tone to reassure your child while discussing the themes of the book.
Relate the story to a personal experience of a goodbye or a big change your family faced.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about moving or saying goodbye and compare them to Chester’s.
Discuss the support system Chester had and ask your child about who supports them in difficult times.
Highlight Chester’s growth and understanding through the story to teach resilience and optimism in new situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: In 'A Kiss Goodbye,' the main character, Chester Raccoon, faces the challenge of leaving his old home and finding comfort in a new environment. This story gently introduces the concept of change and adaptation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to accept and find comfort in new situations, whether it’s moving to a new home, starting a new school, or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Support from Loved Ones
Explanation: Chester's mother supports him through the transition, using warmth and reassurance to ease his fears. This highlights the importance of family and loved ones in providing support during challenging times.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the value of seeking support from family and friends when facing difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Coping with Emotions
Explanation: The story shows Chester experiencing various emotions, including sadness and fear, as he deals with moving away from a familiar place. The narrative helps children see that it’s normal to have strong emotions about changes in life.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express and manage their emotions healthily, understanding that it’s okay to feel upset about big changes and to talk about these feelings with others.
Example Lesson: The Power of Goodbyes
Explanation: Chester learns to say goodbye to his old home and friends, which helps him to emotionally prepare for the new chapter in his life. The concept of closure is beautifully depicted in the raccoon’s journey.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of closure and how saying goodbye can be a step towards healing and embracing new beginnings.