Mommy Is a Soft, Warm Kiss by Rhonda Gowler Greene, illustrated by Maggie Smith Ages 3-6 32 pages Walker Books March 2010 Hardcover     Ask any child what a mommy is, and you’re bound to get lots of different answers. In this darling picture book, one little girl explains what a special person her mommy is based on the adventures they share. Through lyrical rhyming text, the reader is privy to the exclusive bond between mother and child as it blooms and grows. From springtime through summer and all the whole year long, this mother/daughter combination truly is as soft and warm as a kiss. Mommy Is a Soft, Warm Kiss is a quiet book of parental love - sweet and charming and gentle and, as any mother will tell you, a dream come true. The adorable artwork by Maggie Smith ads a homey, comfortable feel to the book that deepens the pure pleasure of motherly bliss. But although it makes for a lovely bedtime read, it may well pull Mom’s heartstrings much tighter than the child’s, making it a little too picture-perfect, but definitely a great choice for baby-shower baskets. Rhonda Gowler Greene is a seasoned author of more than twenty books for children (and of course, her most rewarding occupation is that of a Mom). A companion title for Dad is due to be released soon, entitled Daddies Are Special, Too. Of that there is no doubt, for there is nothing more humanly gratifying than being a Mom or Dad and forging bonds with our children.     web reviews   Niki Masse Schoenfeldt/2010 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)