Description:
In this empowering picture book, Miriam navigates her confusion about an unprovoked kiss--finding her voice and using it to assert her personal boundaries.
Brief description:
Zehava is an author as well as a former editor and bookseller. She and her family make their home in Montreal, Quebec where she is the head librarian at a school. Connor Kissed Me is her debut picture book.
Review Quotes:
"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 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. . . A worthwhile purchase for collections used by school staff." -- School Library Journal
"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." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Best Books for Kids & Teens 2024 - Canadian Children's Book Centre
Young Hoosier Book Award Longlist 2026 - Indiana Library Federation