These are twin books, so let's talk about them together.
Actually, they are two pairs of twins, because both have been illustrated twice.
This was the first edition,
which was published by Cartwheel Press and very effectively marketed.
It quickly sold an incredible number of copies,
and I was amazed when the publisher decided to let it go out of print.
I was told they intended to reissue it as a board book.
Board books are for babies!
I wanted a book I could offer in the schools,
and asked to have the rights back.
My editor understood.
But at least having the two versions gives me a chance to show how much
an illustrator can contribute to a picture book.
Both pairs of books are darling, but Mary Morgan, the first illustrator,
tended to show in her pictures mostly chubby toddlers.
I know that people of ANY age like hugs and kisses,
and I was pleased when Jessica opened her Kisses this way:
Also, sometimes I give an artist what I think of as an Illustration Opportunity, and it always puzzles me if the artist fails to notice it. I thought any artist would have fun with some lines I had put in Hugs: Grownups like to hug you;Well, this is what Mary Morgan gave me. Cute pictures, but frankly I have no idea why the baby is happy with this nice grandmotherly hug one moment, and the next moment doesn't want it.
On the other hand, Jessica Schiffman definitely knew what I hoped for. She liked that verse so much she gave it two whole spreads, set at what appears to be a family reunion:
But not all the relatives who come are equally appealing . . . .
And then to top it off, Jessica brought that lady with the feather in her hat back in Kisses, tying the books together! I wish with all my heart that this edition could find a reliable publisher.
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This next edition was illustrated by Jessica Schiffman.
It never really reached the market.
It's very sad that unless by some miracle I can find another publisher
for this pair, you'll never get to read this version!
The art is great.
