What a great little book for children who have a parent away from home. Whether they be working, in the military or away for business or a conference this book assures children that they are loved by their parents.

Gabby Ann's father is away and every night he sends her hugs and kisses. In this story they travel across the world and meet up with all sorts of animals that help them reach their location. From monkeys to giraffes, dophins to pelicans and finally to a neighbourhood dog, they travel to Gabby Ann's house where mother lets them in to rest on Gabby Ann's cheek. Even though Gabby Ann is worried that the hugs and kisses will not arrive, her mother assures her that she needs to go to bed and to sleep and they will arrive.

This is a beautifully illustrated book that children will absolutely love.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )

This is such a sweet, lovely book! Gabby Ann's daddy works far, far away, but he sends her hugs and kisses every night. The Xs and Os go on adventures around the world, getting help sometimes from animals as they make their way around the world! Boys and girls alike will enjoy this story. It would be especially great for a child who's parent travels for work or is in the military! ( )

Gabby Ann loves bedtime, and that's rather unusual for young children. But Gabby has a very good reason, as it's the time for lots and lots of goodnight kisses and hugs. Sadly, her dad has to work far away and can't be there by her bedside for her evening cuddle.
But no need to worry for cute wee Gabby, her dad has already sent his love for her, in the form of sweet Xs and Os travelling through the air.
They make their way through the rainforest and along a watering hole, they travel through the Arctic and swim in the ocean and they meet all sorts of exotic animals on their journey.
Finally a pelican offers to fly them all the way to Gabby's house. There the pet dog is already waiting in the garden and they grab his collar and hold on tight, as the dog races all the way to the little girl's bedroom.
With Gabby by now being fast asleep, will she notice the Xs and Os have finally found her?

It's a warm hearted story, to which I can quite well relate. I'm not in the armed forces, as was the case for the author's father and gave the inspiration to write the book, but still, I have to work on assignments all over the globe and know what it feels like to be away from my family. It's always particularly hard, when small children are involved.
Besides work, there are many other reasons, why a parent has to spend time away from home. Maybe they are in hospital or have to go and care for an elderly relative.

The illustrations are adorable, they are vivid and colourful and children will love to look at them.

To turn the hugs and kisses into characters in form of Xs and Os is a wonderful idea and will definitely appeal to young children.
A beautiful way to ensure a child, your parent's love will find you, wherever you are and no matter how far away they are. ( )