Review of Stevie Tenderheart Books A Second Kiss Goodnight (A Bedtime Story)

[Himanshu K Yadav]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Stevie Tenderheart Books A Second Kiss Goodnight (A Bedtime Story)" by Steve William Laible.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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"A Second Kiss Goodnight" by Steve Laible is an enchanting adventure disguised in sleepytime pajamas, whisking young readers on a whimsical journey alongside Stevie Tenderheart, a boy with a peculiar demand: two good night kisses. When his mom's fed-upness can’t grant him a favor, Stevie goes in quest of the “second kiss” on the night air of the creatures that come out of hiding.

Laible's writing is word pictures. You almost feel the dewy touch of the grass under your toes as Stevie tiptoes through the garden, guided by the gentle hooting of the wise old owl. Every time you meet with the animals, it is like a pleasant discovery. The cheeky raccoon's playful moves will leave you smiling, and the blink of the firefly will add just the right amount of mystery. The trip isn't just about kissing; it's about development. It is resourcefulness, kindness, and courage that Stevie learns from the resourceful spider, the gentle deer, and the daring little mouse, respectively. The absence of pictures in the book is apparently a drawback; however, it becomes a strength. The creation of this character grants the reader the opportunity to think of a version of Stevie as well as each animal and their individual world. Although the story can be too long for very young kids, it is the right read for older kids who simply like a touch of adventure. The gentle pacing, along with the lulling rhythm of the story, makes it an excellent nighttime buddy. As you read, you can almost hear the gentle snores being sent out from your small listener, lulled by the magic of Stevie’s journey.

I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars. "A Second Kiss Goodnight" is far from flawless. The ending left me desiring a bit more finality. Nevertheless, the story’s appeal, endearing characters, and the lessons it conveys are more dominant when it comes to the minor issues it has. The editing was also excellent, and as a result, I liked this book more.

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Stevie Tenderheart Books A Second Kiss Goodnight (A Bedtime Story)
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