And I Love You by Ruth Krauss & Steven Kellogg
A celebration of parental love, this book has verse that pairs large and small together in relationships. The big forests love little trees. Big seas love little shells. And my favorite: Big stories love little words to fly around in. Each large element is shown and then the page turns to reveal the other smaller element that matches it. Krauss’ poem is lovely, gently showing the devotion of a parent in ways that are tangible and in relationships that children will understand. The book will work equally well for any adult with a child, whether it is a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or guardian.
Krauss’ poem is very brief, just a few words per page. Her verse captures love in so few words that it is amazing, making it very accessible for young readers.
Kellogg’s art has his signature style, but also an added dimension that is very interesting. His usual characters with their bright eyes are featured. On some of the pages, where appropriate, a texture has been added to the illustrations, sometimes organic like grass clippings and other times thicker paint that is built up for the background. His friendly characters are shown on these textured pages as well, creating a wonderful mixed media picture book.
The perfect book for a new baby gift or for adoptive parents, this book would also make a great board book too thanks to its few words and gentle spirit. Appropriate for ages 2-5.
Reviewed from copy received from Scholastic.