I'm Always Loving You

August 9, 2024

PreS-Gr 1-Unfolding in first person rhyming couplets, this reassuring title celebrates the unconditional love caregivers have for the children in their lives. The story seems to take place over the course of a typical day, opening in the morning ("I love you when you rise and shine-awake as you can get!/ I love you when I haven't even had my coffee yet!") and closing at bedtime ("I love you when I say 'good night, ' and turn the light out too./ And then, when you are sound asleep/ I'll still be loving you!"). While the narrative doesn't necessarily tread new ground, it does offer readers an upbeat affirmation of parental, familial, or custodial love, particularly as the unnamed narrator is never directly identified specifically as a parent. Further, the consistent use of rhythm and rhyme gives the text a singsong quality that lends itself to reading aloud. Rendered digitally, the illustrations neatly complement each verse and depict several diverse families in varying skin tones. VERDICT Loving and inclusive.-Lauren Strohecker

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 30, 2024
A bevy of adult caretakers characterize the unconditional
love they feel for children in their lives throughout this sunny picture book. Wolff’s warm rhyming stanzas (“I love you when the answer’s yes,// and also when it’s no...// ...when we’re sitting sorta quiet/ or we need to go-go-go!”) and Schleikorn’s cheery digital illustrations capture tender, relatable moments within the daily routines of families of varied skin tones and configurations. Whether it’s dancing together or dealing with disappointment, the children and adults are all buoyed by their solid bond. A family rushing out the door, with kids in tow and tote bags aplenty, is among the spot-on scenes across this steadying message of everlasting adoration. Ages 3–6.

October 15, 2024
Some things can't be shared often enough. Throughout this cheery book, narrated in jaunty verse, several diverse families explain that they always love each other. Relying on energetic, colorful digital illustrations that brim with warmth and humor, this tale demonstrates that love's all around and can and should be declared every day, everywhere, whether families are together or apart, and in a variety of settings and circumstances: home, school, the playground, and more. Exactly who's sharing this beautiful message isn't always apparent on each page: Is it a parent with a child? A child with parents? One parent with another? Does it matter? Love can and should be expressed by anyone--and this is a wonderful tale that can be shared by any reader seeking cheery affirmation. On one spread, for instance, a parent and child are trying out new hairstyles before a mirror; the accompanying text reads, "I love you when you brush your hair / and try out something new." Either the parent or the child could be expressing this feeling, or each could be saying it to the other in turn; either option works, and it's satisfying to believe that both parent and child are freely expressing their love. In the end, though, the day clearly begins and concludes with a sweet and fitting parental declaration of love. A joyful read for families and a thoughtful gift at baby showers and for new parents.(Picture book. 3-6)

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