I Love You, Little One

By Nancy Tafuri

Year: 1998

Publisher: Scholastic Press, New York

Age: 2 – 5 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Bedtime, Picture Book

ISBN: 0 590 92159 2

Here’s a beautiful “I Love You” book.

I loved this book because it borrows profoundly from nature - coolness of a river, shelter in a pond and the snugness of earth. It also celebrates other unique attributes of our world like the strength of a mountain and constancy of stars.

It might be a mite too intense for a little child but it might just find resonance somewhere in their little hearts. :-)

Excerpt

“I love you as the stars love you,

Constant and bright above you,

Giving you joy and peace and wonder.”

Give her the River

Text: Michael Dennis Browne

Illustration: Wendell Minor

Year: 2004

Publisher: Pocket Books, London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 40

ISBN:  978 0 74348 986 1

This exceptional picture book reminds me of the several “I love you” books that articulate a parent’s love for their child(ren). While the others use simple words and are apt for very young readers, Give her the River – A father’s wish for his daughter (Yes! That’s what the cover says) is a poetic expression of a father’s desires for his little one. It uses the analogy of a river to explore the beauty of the world. It’s a poignant rendition of love - that special love that only parents can feel.

I loved this book, because it captures the essence of happiness by teaching a child to appreciate the world around her. That will stand her in good stead for life!

The words are tender and the beautiful paintings, elevate the book to a whole new level.

Excerpt

Give her the river at dawn,

when it shines,

when the swans are gliding.