I Love You More, written by Emil Sher and illustrated by Barbara Reid. Scholastic, 2022. $21.99 ages 3 and up

 

"I love you more than cones love ice cream. 

I love you more than syrup loves pancakes."

Reading this book will not stop at the first time it is shared. I guarantee it is just the beginning of numerous visits and many personal observations. In his author's note at the book's end, Emil Sher explains that while his daughters were away at summer camp, he and his wife sent them notes. They ended those notes with a red heart from their mother and an expression of love like the ones that make up the body of this wonderful book from their father. It wasn't long until the girls were writing back, and doing the same thing. What absolute fun! 

A young boy, awakened by his mother, spends his day seeing the many ways that love is shown through words, gestures, actions, and in numerous warm and uplifting scenes created by the remarkable Barbara Reid. Wake up, breakfast, leaving their apartment, the trip to and arrival at school all provide perfect opportunities for noting the love that surrounds him. That attention to his neighborhood continues after school when his grandmother picks him up, takes him to her place, and waits for his mom to arrive to take him back home.  

The details created for each scene will not be a surprise for Barbara Reid fans. She fills her spreads with energy and lovely moments from start to finish. Discussion will be endless when time is taken to note each fine point. 

Mr. Sher further explains that as children begin to write their own 'I love you' moments, they always come in pairs: 'the second part of the pair makes the first part feel happy because it feels needed'.

Carry on!