Spare Kisses (Pip Harry, illus Yiscah Marcatili, Lothian)

A young girl’s close and loving relationship with her grandmother is the subject of Pip Harry’s Spare Kisses. Told in gentle rhyme, the story follows Eve and her sprightly nan through a series of domestic adventures. With her pearls, blue-rimmed spectacles and overcoat pockets bulging with utensils, Nan is “ready for anything”, which always makes visiting her fun. Eve plays dress-ups with Nan’s jewellery and creates with the art supplies hidden away in a large wardrobe. Nan is prepared for everyone – down to the spare nappies for younger relatives – and her overstocked kitchen holds enough surplus goods to help out the neighbours too. Yiscah Marcatili’s simple watercolour illustrations use broad outlines rather than fine detail, allowing the warmth of the relationship to take centre stage. As the book’s title suggests, though Nan’s house is full of things it’s her spare kisses that matter the most. Whether comforting Eve after cancelled plans or broken toys, they have a way of making everything right. When Nan ends up in the hospital, the dynamic shifts gently, and it’s Eve’s turn to offer comfort and care. Spare Kisses introduces young readers aged 3 and up to ideas of reciprocity, emotional support and generosity in relationships, reminding them that loving relationships are built on giving as well as receiving.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Thuy On is an arts journalist, editor, critic and poet. She has 3 collections of poetry published. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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