The moon is high in the night sky & the little baby animal who yawns & stretches needs to go to bed. One thing is missing before they can snuggle into dreams; a goodnight kiss. We first meet a baby crocodile & then a baby tiger, both of whom are siblings in the universe of this book. The family dynamic reflects warmth & inclusion in the various forms that love takes in life.

All the animals that these baby animals meet cannot give them the kiss goodnight they need. The reader watches as these other animals provide silly excuses as to why they cannot accommodate the request, ranging from the future to present action & the silly imagining that young readers might connect to—presenting to already be asleep.

This feels like a book that will find its place in bedtime routines. It might even be a nice reminder that different animals (people) approach interactions in different ways. For example, the toucans can kiss each other but not others—what might this mean? There are ample ways of approaching this discussion. I always appreciate when little picture books welcome the narrative of reality; encouraging young readers to reflect & be pensive. This is always a wonderful thing.

Overall, this was a very sweet story. The illustrations by Polly Dunbar create a landscape of families & friends; one that exists in the world of the reader too. The colour scheme is soft & mesmerizing so that the book can be read during those weaning hours of the evening, allowing a young mind to find repose within the pages of a book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Faber & Faber, & Eoin McLaughlin for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This is a sweet flip-book story that is sure to be shared at bedtime again and again.

Tiger and Crocodile are in need of a good night's sleep. Before they can close their eyes and drift away they need a goodnight kiss. They engage with a variety of animals seeking a kiss. All the creatures they encounter are scared and reluctant to fulfill the request from the two. Why? Could it be the sharp little teeth that are exposed when the two little ones yawn?

Tiger and Crocodile see menacing, sharp-toothed shadows approaching...oh my! Danger is approaching towards them.

They are relieved when they discover that it's Daddy Crocodile and Mommy Tiger seeking them out to plant a kiss on each and say goodnight. Finally they have peace! Good night little ones sleep well!

This is a perfect bedtime story to be shared with snuggles, hugs and kisses! It celebrates the love and care between a blended family. I highly recommend this heartwarming book.

The Kiss by Eoin McLaughlin is a charming story that is destined to become a bedtime favourite.

Tiger and Crocodile are both feeling sleepy and need a goodnight kiss. But the animals they encounter are reluctant to provide it, and it is up to Daddy Tiger and Mommy Crocodile to come to the rescue.

With adorable illustrations by Polly Dunbar, this is a book that will be reached for night after night.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Faber & Faber for an ARC.