Clark County Preschool students learned of a magic secret that could help ease their fears.

Scott Hisle, a Partners in Education Be A Man volunteer and Clark County Board of Education member, read Audrey Penn’s 1993 children’s classic, “The Kissing Hand,” to students Wednesday.

The book follows the story of how Chester Raccoon overcomes his fear of starting school when his mother shares a family secret that gives him the reassurance of love wherever he may go.

After reading the story, Hisle gave each student a copy to take home. It is the first of many books students involved in PIE’s BAM program will receive.

The BAM program intends to provide a strong male role model in young men’s lives; male volunteers regularly meet with students at the preschool and Baker Intermediate Schools during which they read age-appropriate books and provide mentorship.

PIE Executive Director Greg Yates said the books were made possible through the Clark County Fiscal Court grant program. He said he hopes the books will foster a love of reading for the students as well as encourage reading at home.

Yates said he had purchased about 130 books for the first round of giveaways and there will plenty of more to follow.