Product Description

Deep in the woods, animal mothers reassure their little ones of the many ways they are loved. And in a log cabin, a child hears the special way he (or she) is loved. Endearing artwork captures all the tenderness between parent and child.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #545458 in Books
• Published on: 2000-03-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Board book
• 15 pages

From Publishers Weekly
In this tender bedtime book, seven young creatures ask in turn a single, important question: "Do you love me, Mama?" The answer in each case is the same: "forever and ever and always," but it is preceded by different, lyrical similes. Mama Rabbit loves her baby "as the earth loves you, warm and snug around you, giving you a warm place to sleep"; Mama Mouse loves her child "as the wild rye loves you, gently swaying above you, giving you food and cover from harm." As the characters speak, the pictures quietly show the progression of the sun and moon to indicate the passage of time from midmorning to evening. The book's oversized pages seem to enfold the reader like a hug, and the full-bleed watercolor-and-ink illustrations are sumptuously yet tidily rendered, bringing to life the lushness of the woodland setting while maintaining a comforting sense of order. So stunningly detailed are Tafuri's (Have You Seen My Duckling?) dusky, downy-coated animals that the pink-skinned human mother and genderless child shown on the final spread seem almost bland in comparison. A compositional strategy gently underlines the point of the narrative: the spreads in which the little ones ask their anxious question are framed as medium or long shots, while the mothers make their reassuring reply in snuggly close-ups. A soothing and sturdy choice. Ages 3-7.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 1?Over the course of a day, several baby animals ask their mothers whether they love them. In each instance, the parent compares her love to the protective, life-giving environment in which the creature lives: "I love you as the pond loves you, wide and calm beneath you, giving you food and places to swim," says Mama duck. Finally, a human child asks the same question and is assured of a love that is as constant as the stars, "Forever, and ever, and always." The lyrical text is spare and patterned, and the repeated phrases invite participation. The illustrations, all double-page spreads done in watercolor, ink, and colored pencils, are signature Tafuri?large and uncluttered. The extra-wide book design enables the illustrator to present a panoramic view of each animal's habitat before zooming in on a close-up of parent and child in the following spread. The colors are muted as befits the quiet story, and the many strokes depicting animal feathers and fur are striking. While this is not a new subject for picture books, youngsters need many assurances of parental love. This one is perfect for bedtime sharing.?Marianne Saccardi, Norwalk Community-Technical College, CT
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Ages 3^-6. With her signature evocative watercolor-and-pencil images, child's-eye level, and delicate close-ups, Tafuri has created a rockabye picture book that sings. One by one, a little deer, duck, rabbit, child, and others ask, "Do you love me, Mama?" And each is answered "yes" in a most reassuring way. Mama Rabbit says, "I love you as the earth loves you, / warm and snug around you, / . . . forever and ever and always." Mama Owl loves her little one as the oak tree does, tall and strong; the deer loves her fawn as the river does; so when the child turns to Mama and she says, "I love you as the stars love you," children are ready for "forever, and ever, and always." In the realm of bedtime cozies, this one stands out for its simplicity without mawkishness and the purity of its rhythms. GraceAnne A. DeCandido

Customer Reviews

Lovely to Read Aloud
Review by Sherry North, Author, Because You Are My Baby

I love this book - the sentiment is tender, the rhythm is soothing and the artwork is inviting. It is a joy to read aloud. The concept of mama animals expressing affection for their babies is not new, but Nancy Tafuri's choice of words is truly beautiful.

I do have to say my 4-year-old son does not like the book as much as I do... I think for him, it is a little too sentimental. He prefers books with more action or humor. Still, it's a great choice for a younger child - especially with the sturdy board book construction.

My new favorite Children's Book
The first time I read this to my little girl it brought tears to my eyes. It is the sweetest story and the words just sing from the pages. I'm buying it for every pregnant woman I know!

An Instant Favorite
The first time I read this book to my 10 month old son, he sighed and pushed the book over which is his indication to me to read it again. I probably read this book to him (omitting a few words to speed things up - his preference) about 20 times. I could feel his body relax as the book's refrain came over and over again. He wanted me to linger, however, on the sweet and rhythmic lullaby on the last page. Lovely book!