Connor Kissed Me

K-Gr 3--In an age-appropriate introduction to the concept of consent, Miriam, a brown-haired girl with tan skin, is shocked when Connor, also tan-skinned, kisses her on the playground. As Miriam tells others repeatedly that "Connor kissed me," everyone has a different response to her news. Her mom is the first to ask Miriam if she wanted to be kissed by Connor. As Miriam heads back out to express her feelings about Connor's behavior, she is able to stand up for her right to choose. The school children and staff represent a diverse group of people, and the different scenes represent a typical school day. The cartoonlike images are digitally rendered in muted primary colors and pair well with the simplicity of the language where each sentence is structured to create a rhythm and repetition that help younger learners. Although a simple and straightforward example of consent, this could be used as part of a social-emotional lesson or with adult introduction. VERDICT A worthwhile purchase for collections used by school staff.--Danielle Schwessinger

Connor Kissed Me is a portrait of what so many young people experience in their earliest years of life—the 'Me Too' moments that go unseen and unheard in elementary schools. Importantly, Zehava's clear narrative helps children and grown-ups alike learn how to respond, developing shared ideas on not just what consent means—but how it looks and what it sounds like. Zehava's narrative in Connor Kissed Me shows aspects of childhood that are commonplace, but are all too often shushed away, ignored, or seen with disregard. Along with Sarah K. Turner's illustrations, author Zehava helps grown-ups understand that what may seem like a tiny deal to adults is a gigantic deal to children, and the blueprint provided for responding to those early, often dismissed 'Me Too' moments, is paramount. — Kass Minor, Educator, Author of Teaching Fiercely: Spreading Joy and Justice in Our Schools

The author tactfully makes the points both that letting adults know something unsettling has occurred is important and that it then may be necessary to go to someone else for help as well. . . Provides children the opportunity to acknowledge [Miriam's] determination and follow her lead. — Booklist

The digital art's cartoonish appearance exudes vibrancy and movement, easily catching and maintaining attention. Facial expressions take up much of the page, providing an opportunity for interaction in storytimes and asking children to speculate on how characters feel. . . In succinct and instructive language, the book successfully conveys the message about the importance of using your voice. — The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books