Little Love List by Summer Macon & Bethany May Clark

Bethany Clark, author of the hilarious You’ve Got Yoghurt In Your Nostrils, has written a charming book about the very special relationship that exists between a mother and child. With thoughtful words and glorious illustrations, this book will be one to be shared time and time again.

I love you when you’re muddy.
I love you when you’re cross.
I love you when you’re laughing.
I love you when you’re the boss.

 I love you when you’re brave.
I love you when you’re done.
I love you when you won’t wear pants.
I love you when you’re fun.

The clever rhyme is bookended by a brief discussion about a list that begins in the mother’s pocket and is never ending. This long and lengthy list appears on each page and floats delightfully over the gorgeous illustrations of the mother and child. The use of repetition to encourage early word recognition and the sharing of feelings that small children may feel during the course of the day provides a ‘real world’ experience for young readers. The striking cover and dreamy endpapers add to the overall appeal.

A very special book for Valentine’s Day, a new baby or Mother’s Day.

Themes: Babies, Mothers, Unconditional Love, Family Life.

Kathryn Beilby