A joyful picture book to nurture your child

I Love You Forever and a Day by Amelia Hepworth, illustrated by Tim Warnes(Little Tiger Press, 2022)Good to Read for:calming down before bedtimesnuggly storytimesexpressing love to your childThis week, I’m highlighting my latest picture book: I Love You Forever and a Day, by Amelia Hepworth (Little Tiger Press, 2022). It’s the companion book to I Love You to the Moon and Back and I Love You As Big As the World. And that means BEARS!

One big bear and one little bear set out together for a day of adventure. In every sense, it’s an idyllic portrayal of unconditional love – and I make no apologies for that! (Sometimes tender and warm is just the ticket.) Is that mama with her baby? An older (and stronger) sibling? Perhaps the big bear is a wise old grandparent. It doesn’t matter. In fact, it’s a bonus as it mirrors any relationship between a child and a caring adult. 

   

The story follows those familiar bears throughout the day as they enjoy spending quality time with each other – climbing, singing songs, picking flowers and splashing in the river. The joy of their interactions, notes School Library Journal, is apparent. 

 

With your hand in mine,

We would hop-skip along.

   

‘The youngest readers will enjoy the limited amount of text on each page and rhyming structure of the story,’ continues School Library Journal. Young children will also enjoy the opportunity to expand on the story by describing the events and activities shown in the illustrations. (This empowers them as a storyteller and supports their visual literacy.)

Part of the appeal of the I Love You series is how they demonstrate the importance of being present. They remind parents and carers to be in the moment and enjoy their children (whether splashing in the water, walking hand-in-hand or simply lazing in the sunshine). 

They also encourage adults to savour small moments of joy that young kids have an enviable knack for noticing. 

A passing butterfly.

Newly hatched chicks.

A meadow bursting with flowers.

(Other picture books which do this well include Bear and Wolf and Once Upon a Northern Night.)

These two aspects – being present and mindful – are expressed through the bears’ exuberant enjoyment of life.

Red Reading Hub agrees: ‘The characters’ shared joy shines out from Warnes’ scenes,’ they write. ‘His bears are hugely appealing to young children who will delight in snuggling up close to their mum or dad (or perhaps grandparent) for some pre-bedtime togetherness...’

 

And while the sun sets on our magical day,

I’d gather you up as your sleepy legs sway.

 

Sharing a story – particularly in the quiet of bedtime – offers a precious moment of connection for both adult and child. It’s a win-win. So be thankful for the opportunity, grab a selection of stories worth sharing and enjoy nurturing your child. 

   Tips for sharing I Love You Forever and a Day

The I Love You books work exceptionally well as quiet, wind-down stories. Follow the advice of Booktrust and incorporate it into a bath, book, and bed routine to settle your little one down for the night.

Ask your child to ‘imagine a day just for you.’ What would that look like?

The bears aren’t assigned any gender – meaning the big bear can be viewed as any parent or carer. Ask your child who the big bear reminds them of.

STORIES WORTH SHARINGI Love You Forever and a Day by Amelia Hepworth, illustrated by Tim Warnes(Little Tiger Press, 2022)Good to Read for:calming down before bedtimesnuggly storytimesexpressing love to your child

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sign up here! Copyright © 2022 Amelia Hepworth (Text) & Tim Warnes (Illustrations)From I LOVE YOU FOREVER AND A DAY by Amelia Hepworth & Tim Warnes(Little Tiger Press)GOOD TO READCalm, more gentle picture books (for a snuggly storytime)

I Love You to the Moon and Back by Amelia Hepworth & Tim Warnes

Owl Babies by Martin Waddel & Patrick Benson

Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen & John Schoenherr

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“adorable”–  School Library Journal


“What a beautiful book to read with your child!”- Nadine, Amazon customer review BUY UK BUY US * I EARN COMMISSION FROM THESE BOOKSHOP LINKS #AD/AFFRELATED ARTICLESSOURCES

I Love You Forever and a Day by Amelia Hepworth, illustrated by Tim Warnes (Little Tiger Press, 2022)

I Love You More Than All the Stars / I Love You Forever and a Day (Jill Bennett’s Reviews of Children’s Books, redreadinghub.blog, 12 January 2022)

I Love You Forever and a Day (School Library Journal, slj.com, February 2022)

© 2022 BY TIM WARNES(UNLESS OTHERWISE ATTRIBUTED)****USE OF THIRD-PARTY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL FALLS UNDER FAIR USE/FAIR DEALING PRACTICE