I've Lost My Kisses - Trudie Trewin and (illustrator) Nick Bland

Published by Scholastic Press: Lindfield, NSW, 2012 (2007).

Set in a world of anthropomorphic animals, I've Lost My Kisses stars Matilda, a little cow who fears that she has 'lost her kisses.' This is especially an issue for her as her Poppa is going to arrive at the airport soon, "And the first thing he always says it "Where's my big smoocheroo?" I just have to find my kisses!"

Despite her mother's reassurance that "They'll be there when you need them" Matilda spends the book looking for her kisses in such places as her room, the garden, and the supermarket. In each location, when someone asks her what kisses look like, she says that she doesn't know, but that she knows what they feel like, or taste like, or sound like.

Eventually, Matilda, still without having found her kisses, goes to the airport, quite upset. However, when her Poppa arrives she finds her kisses within her, and learns her lesson that they will always be there when she needs them.

It's a sweet story, with a sweet lesson. It is also the sort of lesson that probably wants to be put in the right context!


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