I Love You Just the Way You Are

by Virginia Miller

The spirited Ba is back, in a story that will resonate with every sometimes-grumpy child.

Bartholomew's not having a good day. His legs are too stumpy, his porridge is too lumpy, and his tummy is too plumpy. Who could blame a bear for feeling a little grumpy? But George understands. He knows that some days are better than others and shows Ba that he's loved even when he's feeling bad. Virginia Miller, author-illustrator of ON YOUR POTTY!, has created another reassuring tale of family love that's perfectly tuned to the thoughts, feelings, and actions of toddlers.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 2, 1998

About the author

Virginia Miller wrote and illustrated her first George and Bartholomew story after observing a toddler's frustration with potty training. The result was ON YOUR POTTY!, followed by more George and Ba books acclaimed for their simple, authentic dialogue, expressive illustrations, and toddler-friendly themes.


"The next most likely problem needing book treatment," Virginia says, "seemed to be eating -- or not eating -- one's dinner." The winsome EAT YOUR DINNER dramatizes this all-too familiar conflict at the dinner table; in its review of EAT YOUR DINNER, SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL declared, "Everything about this book will appeal to toddlers."


"These books," Virginia says, "are intended to help make light of common parent-child conflicts because if they make you smile, things don't seem so bad." She hopes that every parent and child will recognize the benefits and trials of unconditional love that George the father bear and Bartholomew the child bear share. "When the going gets tough for Bartholomew, it's comforting to him to know that George is always there for him--and will love him through all his moods."


Formerly a resident of Wiltshire, England, Virginia now lives in New Zealand.

Reviews

[Aquila · Rating 4 out of 5]

While reading the child I was reading to said "I'm never grumpy!" And her father's friend laughed from the other side of the room.

[Milton Louie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bartholomew does not like himself. B

[Stacey Bookerworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life with a toddler summed up in one book. I love it and it has become my son's favourite bedtime book as well. A classic

[Little Seesaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

This bear is a little bit naughty, but his mom still loves him. Aren't moms the best.

[Cody Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kept my attention through the whole thing!

[Kimberlee Gutterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to teach the message that you don't need to change who you are to be loved by someone. Even when Bartholomew was not having a good day and was upset, he was loved by George. George always knew exactly what to do for him when he was upset. This can demonstrate the unconditional love you have for your child which makes this a really great book for parents and children to bond over. This could be especially important for children who are adopted or who have step parents. I think the illustrations in this book were very well done and went with the story very well because it included speech bubbles for Bartholomew.

[Fawziyyah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet story takes us through Bartholomew's grumpy day, when nothing feels like it's going right for him. But luckily, George is at hand to help make Bartholomew's day run smoother.

This book can be useful for children in early years as it observes realistic emotions for toddlers.

I found the use of George's name as opposed to calling him 'Dad' quite interesting as it opens the opportunity to think about different types of families. Some children may have step-parents or guardians who they call by their names - so a great book for the whole class.

[Amanda Izard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Bartholomew Bear is having a rough day – his ears are too cold, his legs are too stumpy, his oatmeal isn’t smooth enough, and he doesn’t want to take a bath. His friend George helps him along and assures him that no matter what “I love you just the way you are!”

This is an adorable children’s book with easy to read text and childlike crayon illustrations. This latest installment of the “George & Bartholomew” series will remind readers that no matter how rough life is or how bad they feel about themselves, there will always be someone who loves them unconditionally.

[Stef · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute book. I just finished reading it to my almost 2 year old. Although he's a little young to understand the message the book has, I like that it shows that even when our children are grumpy and having a rough day, just like adults, we as parents will still be there to love them and care did them no matter what 💕 I will be sure to keep this on the bookshelf as my son grows as a reminder for him. The Illustrations are really cute too.

[Terry]

Disappointed. We've liked other Virginia Miler books. This is billed as a way to help toddlers recognize moods and mercurial habits. I found it frustrating. You clearly have to have read other Bartholomew books to know that 'Bar' is his nickname. Read more of this review.

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've seen a lot of book like this not very original

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book about a grumpy old bear! However, at the end his mom gets him out if his funk. Too cute.. definitely a bed time story for the kids.

[Mfoot]

en français
Quelle journée, Alfred !

[Natasha Measom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh the nostalgia!

[LoriAnn Kocialski · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love these books ... wish we could buy them!

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good story that all kids need to hear.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect book on unconditional love.
Its ok for children to say Nah!!! They have their moods too.

[Nadina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great short read for really little kids. I love the line ("Nah," said Bartholomew.) though am a little sad that full line was only in the story once.
Seems like a great book to show little kids it's okay if you have a bad day.