Inspirational Tales: A Little Golden Book Collection    by Golden Books Order:  USA  Can Golden Books, 2006 (2006) Hardcover      Reviewed by J. A. Kaszuba Locke There's something about a Little Golden Book® I can't resist hugging, with its colorful illustrations, new or classic tales, sturdy binding, and gold-leaf edges. It's the trademark of a treasure of stories to last a lifetime. The question 'Where Do Kisses Come From?' is answered by Maria Fleming and illustrators Janice Kinnealy and DRi Artworks, as giraffes, bears, hippos, lions, and others tell their babes 'Many places, little one ... from skinned knees and scraped elbows ... Kisses come from the way you snuggle up for a story, your cheek as soft as a rose petal ... no matter what kind… ALL kisses come from love.' Edie Evans and illustrator Rusty Fletcher explain the meaning of 'I Love You Mommy!' Mom plays many roles - on the floor giving a horseback-ride, going to the street fair, attending ball games or the museum, and making warm fresh-baked bread on a stormy day. Evans and Fletcher also offer 'I Love You Daddy!' set to rhyme: 'Daddy, I love you, / and want you to know, / I have a great time / wherever we go ... the carwash ... camping ... to the petting zoo ... In a contest for best dad, / the winner is you!' One of my favorites is the story of a kangaroo, who becomes a bluebird's mom. Patti Henderson and illustrator Liz Edge pen tenderly and color softly 'A Blessing from Above', including Psalm 127:3 from the Bible: 'Children are a gift from god; they are His reward'. The story begins: 'Once upon a time there lived a mother kangaroo ... she prayed that someday her pouch would be filled with a baby to love and hold and care for.' While walking in the forest she observed squirrels, and ducks with their babies. 'Momma-Roo was getting tired ... She decided to rest underneath the branches of a beautiful willow tree ... she saw a bluebird nest ... one was bumped from the nest and falling down ... straight into Momma-Roo's pouch! ... mother bluebird was happy to see her baby in such a cuddly place.' There are seven additional stories: 'The Lion's Paw' by Jane Werner Watson and Gustaf Tenggren; 'My Little Golden Book About God' and 'Wonders of Nature', both by Jane Werner Watson and Eloise Wilkin; 'Prayers for Children' by Eloise Wilkin; 'The Friendly Book' (which tells about all the likable things) by Margaret Wise Brown and Garth Williams; and 'Noah's Ark' by Barbara Shook Hazen and Mircea Catusanu. So many stories to enjoy - which one is your favorite from these Ten Beloved Classics? Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews