The Kissing Hand is a story about a little raccoon named Chester. He is afraid to go to school and wants to stay at home with his mother. His mother tells him a special family secret called the Kissing Hand. She kisses the middle of his palm and tells him that whenever he feels lonely, he can press his hand to his cheek and remember her love. Chester feels happy and brave. Before leaving, he gives his mother a kissing hand too. Then he goes to school with confidence.
Notes:
- Chester is a little raccoon.
- He stands at the edge of the forest.
- He is crying.
- He does not want to go to school.
- He wants to stay at home.
- He wants to play with his friends.
- He wants to play with his toys.
- He wants to read his books.
- He wants to swing on his swing.
- Chester tells his mother about his fears.
- His mother listens to him kindly.
- She says everyone must do new things sometimes.
- She tells him that school will be enjoyable.
- She says he will make new friends.
- He will play with new toys.
- He will read new books.
- Chester is still worried.
- His mother tells him a secret.
- The secret is called The Kissing Hand.
- She spreads Chester’s tiny fingers.
- She kisses the centre of his palm.
- Chester feels warmth and love.
- His mother says the kiss will stay with him.
- Whenever he feels lonely, he can press his hand to his cheek.
- Then he will remember that his mother loves him.
- Chester feels much better.
- He kisses his mother’s hand too.
- He says goodbye to her.
- He walks happily towards school.
- Both Chester and his mother feel loved and happy.
Questions & Answers
- Who is the main character in the story?
The main character is Chester Raccoon. - Why was Chester crying?
He was crying because he did not want to go to school. - What did Chester want to do instead of going to school?
He wanted to stay at home with his mother, friends, toys, and books. - What secret did Chester’s mother tell him?
She told him about the Kissing Hand. - What is the Kissing Hand?
It is a loving kiss placed on Chester’s palm by his mother. - Where did Ms. Raccoon kiss Chester?
She kissed the centre of his palm. - What should Chester do when he feels lonely?
He should press his hand to his cheek and think of his mother’s love. - How did Chester feel after receiving the Kissing Hand?
He felt happy, loved, and brave. - What did Chester do for his mother?
He kissed the centre of her hand and gave her a Kissing Hand too. - What is the message of the story?
Love and support from family can help us overcome fear and face new situations with confidence.
Conversations
Conversation 1: Chester and His Mother
- Chester: Mom, I don’t want to go to school.
- Mother: Why don’t you want to go, Chester?
- Chester: I want to stay here with you.
- Mother: School will be fun, my dear.
- Chester: But I am scared of new places.
- Mother: You will make many new friends.
- Chester: Really? Do you think so?
- Mother: Yes, and I have a special secret for you.
Conversation 2: Chester and His Mother
- Chester: What is your special secret?
- Mother: It is called the Kissing Hand.
- Chester: The Kissing Hand? What is that?
- Mother: Give me your left hand.
- Chester: Here it is, Mom.
- Mother: I will place a kiss in your palm.
- Chester: It feels warm and special.
- Mother: Whenever you feel lonely, remember my love.
Conversation 3: Chester and His Mother
- Mother: Are you ready for school now?
- Chester: Yes, I feel much better.
- Mother: Remember to keep your Kissing Hand safe.
- Chester: I will, Mom.
- Mother: Have a wonderful day at school.
- Chester: Wait, Mom. Give me your hand.
- Mother: What are you going to do?
- Chester: I am giving you a Kissing Hand too.
Conversation 4: Chester and a New Friend
- Friend: Hello! My name is Rocky.
- Chester: Hi! I’m Chester Raccoon.
Friend: Is this your first day here? - Chester: Yes, and I was nervous.
- Friend: Don’t worry. Our school is fun.
- Chester: That sounds nice.
- Friend: Let’s play together during break time.
- Chester: Great! I’d love to.
Conversation 5: Chester and His Teacher
- Teacher: Good morning. What is your name?
- Chester: Good morning. I am Chester Raccoon.
- Teacher: Welcome to our school, Chester.
- Chester: Thank you, teacher.
- Teacher: Are you happy to be here?
- Chester: Yes, I am feeling much happier now.
- Teacher: That’s wonderful. You will enjoy learning here.
- Chester: I can’t wait to make new friends.
Diary Entries
Diary 1: Chester (Before Going to School)
Date: June 10
Dear Diary,
Today I am feeling worried because tomorrow is my first day at school. I do not want to leave my home and my mother. I love playing with my toys, reading my books, and spending time with my friends in the forest. School seems like a strange place, and I am afraid that I may not like it. I wish I could stay at home. I hope tomorrow will not be too difficult for me.
Chester
Diary 2 – Chester (After Receiving the Kissing Hand)
Date: June 11
Dear Diary,
Today my mother told me a wonderful secret called the Kissing Hand. She kissed the centre of my palm and said her love would stay with me wherever I go. She told me to press my hand against my cheek whenever I feel lonely or scared. Her words made me feel warm and happy. I am no longer afraid of school. Now I feel brave and confident. I think I am ready to begin this new adventure.
Chester
Diary 3 – Ms. Raccoon
Date: June 11
Dear Diary,
Today was an important day for my son, Chester. He was afraid to go to school and wanted to stay at home with me. I understood his feelings and shared our family secret, the Kissing Hand. I kissed his palm and reminded him that my love would always be with him. Soon he felt better and smiled again. Before leaving, he kissed my hand too. I felt proud, happy, and confident as I watched him walk to school.
Ms. Raccoon
Questions for Students
- Describe Chester’s feelings at the beginning of the story.
- Why was Chester afraid of going to school, and what did he wish to do instead?
- Explain how Mrs. Raccoon responded to Chester’s fears.
- What is the Kissing Hand? Describe the special ritual Mrs. Raccoon performed and explain its meaning.
- How did the Kissing Hand help Chester overcome his fear and gain confidence? Support your answer with details from the story.
- Imagine you are Chester. Describe your thoughts and feelings after receiving the Kissing Hand from your mother.
- Discuss the importance of a parent’s love and encouragement in a child’s life. How is this idea shown in the story?
- Why do you think Mrs. Raccoon chose a simple kiss on the hand instead of giving Chester a toy or another gift? Explain your answer.
- Describe the relationship between Chester and his mother. What incidents in the story show the love and trust they share?
- Chester gave his mother a Kissing Hand before leaving for school. What does this action reveal about Chester’s character and feelings?
- The story teaches children how to face new situations with courage. Explain the message of the story and how it can help children in real life when they feel nervous or afraid.

This is my favourite story.
Chester was not willing to go to school.