Buy new:
$14.95
FREE delivery Saturday, May 11 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$14.95
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Saturday, May 11 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Thursday, May 9. Order within 20 hrs 39 mins
Only 18 left in stock (more on the way).
$$14.95 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$14.95
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$9.98
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
Nice clean copy with no highlighting or writing. We take pride in our accurate descriptions. Satisfaction Guaranteed. Nice clean copy with no highlighting or writing. We take pride in our accurate descriptions. Satisfaction Guaranteed. See less
FREE delivery Tuesday, May 14 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Thursday, May 9. Order within 20 hrs 39 mins
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$14.95 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$14.95
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

David Melling
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Kiss That Missed Hardcover – Picture Book, August 10, 2002

by David Melling (Author)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 175 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$14.95","priceAmount":14.95,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"14","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"95","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"9%2FHTyAh9J1hENewUdjGBjJeBAvaXqg6kN51Y2c57wB5GsmZ2lGBsRt35H%2BzD0ep4%2F3CiF0KhRBwdf03t9hLH%2FOUHslBW3tB49TTsAJX2eyjOtJPsJAGAXEA5UCpR44CVLjIRyrdHzMg%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$9.98","priceAmount":9.98,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"9","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"98","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"9%2FHTyAh9J1hENewUdjGBjJeBAvaXqg6knl0pIDgFlhj2J2OUNbblkBJWL0QrnQ7RH9G0pAeb9Td851FO3Hn0qwpGArmj%2F%2BF3fXeZC4OmVeUrCshzL5cYuHQO20Din4OFcjnPy2wMcIbiaL7PWXc3WzpkOt971nXJZxNEMea82AdrPOYYRQ0e5RDwR7Z%2B40eT","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

A heartwarming and cute bedtime story about a busy king whose goodnight kiss to his son flies right out the window. When the king is in a hurry, his goodnight kiss to the little prince goes astray. It flies out the window and floats into the dark forest! The king must do something! 

The perfect book for anyone looking for:

  • a sweet bedtime story for children!
  • fun read aloud books for kids!

He orders the knight to climb on his horse, ride into the forest, and bring back the kiss. But the forest is filled with spooky things that frighten both the knight and his horse. How will they ever succeed in bringing the kiss back to the castle? This funny story features atmospheric and richly colored illustrations on every page. It makes a great bedtime story for kids who are about the same age as the little prince.

Previous page
  1. Reading age
    4 - 7 years
  2. Print length
    32 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Preschool - 2
  5. Dimensions
    10.13 x 0.33 x 11.38 inches
  6. Publisher
    Sourcebooks Trade
  7. Publication date
    August 10, 2002
  8. ISBN-10
    0764154516
  9. ISBN-13
    978-0764154515
  10. See all details
Next page
The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Frequently bought together

The Kiss That Missed
$14.95
Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11
Only 18 left in stock (more on the way).
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Dragons Love Tacos
$9.92
Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
One of these items ships sooner than the other.
Show details Hide details
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

This disarmingly cute bedtime story from writer-illustrator-dad David Melling (Where Are You?) follows a busy king whose misfired good-night kiss flies right past his son and out the window.

"Once upon a Tuesday the king was in a hurry as usual. 'Goodnight,' he said and blew his son a Royal Kiss." But after rattling around the young prince's room and finding its way out the window, the Royal Kiss hurtles off into a dark and snowy forest. "Follow that Kiss!" commands the king to his loyal knight, and so begins a lengthy, silly chase scene. Even the putative bad guys in this story-- "growly" bears, "swoopy" owls, "dribbly" wolves, and a gigantic dragon--get a shot at providing comic relief, as the kiss streaks and swoops its way through the woods with the not-too-brave knight in hot pursuit.

The inspired illustrations and excellent design alone make this book a fun one, but it's Melling's restrained but infectious sense of fun that will ensure many repeat reads. From the comically animated lion emblazoned on the knight's shield to the forest creatures who seem to dance as they flee the dragon, Melling is clearly having a good time as he tucks us in--and when it comes to ensuring sweet dreams, that almost beats an accurately delivered good-night kiss. (Ages 4 to 8) --Paul Hughes

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-A busy king hurriedly blows his son a goodnight kiss from the hallway, but it misses its target. Being a royal smooch with enchanting powers, it flies off on an adventure through a dark forest full of wild animals and is hotly pursued by a not-so-gallant young knight, who eventually finds himself face to face with an enormous dragon. However, the magical quality of the kiss tames even the wildest of creatures and when the shivering boy fears his demise, he is kissed rather than fried to a crisp. The knight catches the kiss and brings it safely home. Readers will find both the text and the playful, color, cartoon illustrations amusing. Melling captures great expressions in his caricatures of the bewildered prince, the terrified knight and horse, and the gleeful royal family when the kiss is returned. The tale is refreshingly original and relevant, showing a busy family full of love.
Be Astengo, Alachua County Library, Gainesville, FL
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sourcebooks Trade; First Edition (August 10, 2002)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0764154516
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0764154515
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 7 years
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 2
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10.13 x 0.33 x 11.38 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 175 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
David Melling

David Melling

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
175 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Maria Christine
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Book in Every Way!
Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2018
Verified Purchase
I bought this for my grandson last year. He's now 5, and this is still one of his very favorite books. Whenever I see him, he asks me to read it to him. I love it as much as he does. The story and the bright, intriguing, charming illustrations are totally captivating, and there are just the right story elements - adventure, a castle, family love, knights, animals, dragons, a king and queen, a small measure of scariness that is exciting in a very manageable way - and, of course, a loving, happy ending. It's a beautiful book that I would recommend for any young child.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
UnbridledJoy714
5.0 out of 5 stars Such an adorable book! The illustrations are absolutely perfect
Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2017
Verified Purchase
Such an adorable book! The illustrations are absolutely perfect, and the story is adorable. A wonderful addition to any child's library, or a perfect gift for the children of family members.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
David W Lindsey
5.0 out of 5 stars Great artwork and writing
Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2015
Verified Purchase
Incredibly cute story about a knights quest to retrieve a bedtime kiss that has gone astray. Great artwork and writing. Check your local library for a copy (which is where we first found it) and I'm sure you will want a copy for your own bookcase.
Helpful
 Report
S. Baur
5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining
Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2017
Verified Purchase
I love all of David Melling's books. He combines great imagery with a great storyline and characters. Entertaining for me, the adult, to read as well as to my child. In fact, holds up very very well to repeated readings unlike too many other children's books.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
SwimMom
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely perfect bedtime story!
Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2017
Verified Purchase
Exactly what I wanted! My school librarian told me that this is one of her all time favorite books. VERY sweet bedtime story!
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Tinkerbell
4.0 out of 5 stars Cute book, but..........
Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2009
Verified Purchase
The idea for this book is adorable. The king is in too big of a hurry (like we often are as parents) and carelessly blows a kiss into his son's room. Well, as the title states, it missed. It soars past the prince and out the window and the loyal knight gets sent after it. The story is adorable and the illustrations are great except for one aspect: the king. He's very "girly" looking. My son didn't know it was supposed to be a man. For example the king has apparently gotten out of the bath and is wearing a bath cap and holding a pink towel up to his chest in a "female" way. His face is not very masculine at all and he is dressed in pinks and purples through different portions of the book. When the knight gets back with the "kiss" the king's expression and pose are excited, but in a very effeminate way. I just have to mention it because children have questioned it and didn't understand why there were "2 queens". I must add that it is obvious to an adult that the king is a man, but in my opinion his masculinity is questionable for young children.

Still an adorable book and I read it to my kids often :)
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Stacey Meade
5.0 out of 5 stars Best children's book ever!
Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2020
Verified Purchase
This was a favorite for my son and I to read together when he was young. Now I buy new copies to give as a baby shower gift for all my new mom friends!
Helpful
 Report
Lorianne Dalrymple
5.0 out of 5 stars Adorable book
Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2013
Verified Purchase
My nephew owned this book when he was little, so I bought it for a friend with a new little boy. The story is really cute and I love the illustrations! Highly recommend.
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

kryptic81
5.0 out of 5 stars The Kiss That Missed is a Definite Hit!
Reviewed in Canada on November 8, 2014
Verified Purchase
My daughters (2 and 4 years old) and I love, love, LOVE this book! The illustrations are beautiful and funny, and the story is sweet and entertaining. We love the moments of suspense that occur a few times throughout the book when a sentence is not completed until the next page. We also love the effects of the royal kiss as it roams around. We will definitely be adding more of David Melling's books to our library.
Report
Mr. John A. Evans
5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning illustrations & great story
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 18, 2013
Verified Purchase
All members of the family enjoy this book. I first came across this book in my local library and since then I've bought my own copies & copies for others as gifts. Not only do we love the books, everyone I've given them to has stopped me to tell me how marvellous they are.

I especially like the clever illustrations and page/ text layouts. If you do not own this book or the other two, The Three Wishes and Goodnight Sleep Tight, then you must order them now. Without delay, do it today!
Report
J Thompson
5.0 out of 5 stars The story is easily understood by the children and the illustrations are enchanting
Reviewed in Canada on November 10, 2016
Verified Purchase
In the past I have purchased this book as a gift for three young children. Each of them has been thrilled with it. The story is easily understood by the children and the illustrations are enchanting. It is a book I would recommend whole heartedly with no reeservations.
Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars loved by my kids
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 16, 2011
Verified Purchase
I bought this book for my year 1 class as a story with a fantasy setting. It met all our expectations. The story has a simple theme that the children ( all 4 and 5 year olds) could relate to. They loved the idea that a kiss could roam the countryside changing lives. The discussions the story provoked were fantastic and allowed the children to use their imagination.
This story would also provide a gentle goodnight story for any young children.
All in all we loved it.
6 people found this helpful
 Report
Tiffany E
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book.
Reviewed in Canada on August 17, 2016
Verified Purchase
Fun, silly story and wonderful illustrations.
Report