From the author of the New York Times bestselling author of I Wish You More comes a book that promises continuous love in the traditon of the classic The Runaway Bunny. A heartwarming story that will comfort kids with separation anxiety about going back to school!
Wherever you are, Wherever you go, Always remember And always know. . .
That feeling you always have in your heart? That's me loving you.
Amy Krouse Rosenthal captures parents’ desire to be ever-present in this simple and touching poem offering reassurance of their love. Signs of affection can be found in the natural world around us—from a soft breeze to a shimmering star.
Makes the perfect gift for fans of Emily Winfield Martin's The Wonderful Things You Will Be and those looking for something new to add to their shelves next to the classic The Runaway Bunny.
"Combine this with a kissing hand, and children will be ready to set off on their own to explore the world, safe in the knowledge that they are loved." —Kirkus Reviews
Amy Krouse Rosenthal was a person who liked to make things. Some things she liked to make include:
Children's books. (Little Pea, Spoon, DuckRabbit) Grown-up books. (Textbook Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life) Short films. (The Beckoning of Lovely, The Money Tree) Guided journals. (The Belly Book) Something out of nothing. (see above)
A longtime contributor to WBEZ and to the TED conference, Amy lived with her family in Chicago and online at whoisamy.com.
Don’t mind me, I’m just going to be by myself definitely not crying after finishing rosenthal’s picture book. As a parent I can’t describe the simple yet profound way this simple sentence structured book hits you, because you always are and always want to be there for your child and blessing them with the security and the strength to push through when they may be alone is so immensely important I doubt you can fully throw a price tag onto it. And after hearing about the authors passing and this being a goodbye love letter of sorts too to her children was just the stick that broke the dam. 4.25/5
Goodreads can say this book is about the anxiety of going back to school ALL IT WANTS. But as a mom I can tell you the sense of dread from the third page that talks about (paraphrasing) "see that star? that's me." NO. Just. No. It's about a mom dying and reassuring her kid that she's there in the stars, the wind, the world around them. UGH I'm glad I didn't wear makeup to work.
The book was published in Dec 2016 and the author was dead within three months from terminal cancer. Nope. No. Big no.
If you want to get a pic book to help your kid with a loss of a loved one, maybe check this out. If you want one about being anxious about going to school maybe find another one. Something that won't make you bawl your freaking eyes out. Gah.
First sentence: Wherever you are, wherever you go, Always remember and always know...That shimmering star? That's me winking at you. That drifting cloud? That's me thinking of you. That inviting ocean? That's me waving at you.
Premise/plot: This book is openly and unashamedly sentimental. But don't discount it because it's about LOVE. A parent loving their child fiercely. Picture books about love are everywhere. That's true enough. But this one has its quirky humor too: "That persistent mosquito? That's me bugging you."
My thoughts: I picked this one up at the library a day or two after Rosenthal died of ovarian cancer. I think reading the book in light of this fact makes it poignant and ultimately beautiful. Yes, every parent loves their child and wants to comfort their child. Yes, this book could be read by parents to children struggling with separation anxiety. But it could have a much deeper meaning, a life-long meaning, as well. This book was dedicated--is dedicated--to her three children. And it's a wonderful goodbye-and-hello.
Text: 5 out of 5 Illustrations: 4 out of 5 Total: 9 out of 10
"That's Me Loving You" is a gorgeously illustrated book about how parents are still thinking and sending love to their little ones even when they are far away. The illustrations are lovely and dreamy and really stand out in this book. The story is simple and sweet. It's a perfect bedtime story!
It had always been my plan to go back to work after I had my girls. It was a hard decision but the right one for me and my family. Even when I'm gone, I want to make sure that my girls know that I am still thinking about them and sending them love. They are too young to really get that message but they do know that their mom and dad always come back.
This is the perfect book to share with little ones to show that love can come in unexpected forms even when we are far apart!
In light of the loss of her shining star just recently, I ordered up this book from our library collection. It is beautifully written by a gem of a children's author who just passed away from cancer this week. Amy Krouse Rosenthal did a fine job of leaving a book for all to share with their children in preparation for the time that they would no longer be there, whether physically or present in the room, in their state or in this world. So reading this with the knowledge of her passing made it more meaningful to me and more sentimental.
The illustrations by Teagan White are lovely. The coveted FIVE STAR RATING comes to this book, probably because I am a sap.
Can't say I'm a fan. I love the illustrations but the book is odd. It seems like the parent is dead. There are no parents in most of the pictures and then there is just a couple pictures at the end when the mom is there. The way it reads it definitely seems like a book about death and knowing your mom is there with you even in the afterlife. The pictures bungle that idea a bit though. I don't know, it's weird.
When I was asked to review this book I saw the title and read the snippet – a touching picture book, written in soothing rhymes, that reassures kids of how deeply they are loved, and quickly requested a copy. I had no idea how profoundly this book would touch my heart and be such a perfect book for my granddaughter, now 4 years old. The only thing that would make the book more perfect would be if the mom and son on the cover and at the end of the story would be a dad and daughter. As we near the 2 year anniversary of my son’s death my heart is breaking like it was yesterday and my granddaughter is talking about her daddy all the time.
That feeling you always have in your heart? That’s me loving you.
Of course, this book would also be perfect for a parent and child that spend time apart when the parent goes to work or on a trip. It just speaks to me in a way that says the parent is gone forever, with the exception of the final page.
That shimmering star? That’s me winking at you.
That drifting cloud? That’s me thinking of you.
Beautifully written and illustrated but I think there needed to be one more page repeating the title – That’s me loving you, because the book ends abruptly and loses the flow that was so perfect. I was trying desperately to turn the page to finish the story that way it should have been done.
I can’t wait to share this story with my granddaughter the next time she comes for a visit.
Wherever you are, Wherever you go, Always remember And always know... That shimmering star? That's me winking at you.
Premise/plot: This book is openly and unashamedly sentimental. But don't discount it because it's about LOVE. A parent loving their child fiercely. Picture books about love are everywhere. That's true enough. But this one has its quirky humor too: "That persistent mosquito? That's me bugging you."
My thoughts: I really love this one. It was first published as a picture book in 2016. I had long been a fan of her books. This was her last, I believe. It was written after her diagnosis of cancer--ovarian cancer. It was published three months before her death. It is dedicated to her three children. It's a lovely, lovely--poetic message worth treasuring. Children don't have to know the back story for this one. It is a joyful, reassuring book about the endurance of love.
NY Times article, "You May Want To Marry My Husband..." by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
I kind of agree with the one reviewer who said it seemed like the mom was dead. The way it was written made me think that, too. And, actually, I really like the idea of having it be a reassuring book for children whose parents are dying. But also, I imagine that would be really confusing for a child. "When the wind blows on my face my mom is kissing me?" Children don't really understand puns until they're significantly older, I doubt metaphors like this will appeal to them. I guess half of picture book audiences are parents, so if they like it, okay, but I wouldn't recommend it to a child. It's unintentionally haunting for grownups and probably boring for kids. And that's saying something because I actually really like AKR. :'(
This picture book about loss and love is mostly very sweet, and made all the more poignant considering the recent death of its author. However, the illustrations--at first glance gentle and charming--are kind off off-putting. I know this seems like an unfair quibble, but I just really wish the people in the book were not rendered with such lifeless black dolls' eyes. They remind me of Coraline or something--which is undoubtedly not the tone the author and illustrator were trying to achieve.
I read this with the background knowledge of what the author is going through (and reading the New York Times article). I've loved her other books as well, but from the perspective of possibly not having your parent always around this is heartbreaking, sentimental, and beautiful. Sending Amy all the love from a children's librarian and big fan!
Very sweet story with simple text and beautiful illustrations representing diverse kids that could be used to talk with kids about the loss of a loved one or separation anxiety.
Sad to say I FINALLY just read this one. Took too long. Not a parent myself (aunt X11) but it is so lovely and I hope her children take some peace from it.
ORPARC Library | Lovely but both too specific and too broad, which shouldn't be possible. | As a CASA, I asked for a different specific book from the Oregon Post Adoption Resource Center, to use with a very young child who has lost multiple family members. They offered additional books and activity packets, and I said I would take whatever they thought best. This was one of them, and I'm reading them all first, before I take any on a visit with the child. This is a lovely book, and because I know Amy died not long after publication, and it was sent to me for a grieving child, I read it as a book for grief. It's a good one for a child anticipating grief, but probably not for after a loss has occurred. I think it's also not for me to share with the child, because it's all in the first person, and how that star in the sky is ME winking at YOU, or things are hugging, kissing, etc. It's great for a close family relationship, but not really appropriate for a care provider, and for a child already mourning multiple losses, I fear it could come across as setting the child up for more deaths. So, great for lots of families and situations, not great for my needs. We're here because we're here.
My parental assistants (P.A.s) read this to me when I was younger, but I never really got that into it. Pretty but muted, the words were a little long and the story... I just didn't relate to it.
As I've developed so has my interest in this book. It's really lovely to have this read during a snuggly storytime right before sleep and I think I might like it even more as I venture further into toddler hood. It strikes me as very sweet... but I'm not quite sure why yet. I do know it pairs beautifully with lots of hugs and snugs.
If the mom is likely to die soon, ok, sweet book, maybe four stars. If not, then she's smothering the poor child, one star. Except, wait a minute, their are several different children shown, in the middle pages. Definitely preview it carefully before reading it to your little one.
I read the board book. Which seems even more awkward, imo.
That’s Me Loving You By Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Teagan White (Illustrator) ISBN: 9781101932384 Author website: http://www.whoisamy.com, Illustrator website: http://www.teaganwhite.com/ Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
From the author of the New York Times bestseller I Wish You More comes a book that promises continuous love and makes the perfect gift for fans of Emily Winfield Martin’s The Wonderful Things You Will Be and those looking for something new to add to their shelves next to the classic The Runaway Bunny.
Wherever you are,
Wherever you go,
Always remember
And always know. . .
That feeling you always have in your heart?
That’s me loving you.
Amy Krouse Rosenthal captures parents’ desire to be ever-present in this simple and touching poem offering reassurance of their love. Signs of affection can be found in the natural world around us—from a soft breeze to a shimmering star.
Review:
That’s Me Loving You is a cute and heartfelt children’s book that has many uses and will be loved by all who read it or are read it. The book let’s children know that even when they are not with their parent/grandparent (too I would think) they are with them. Even if it is the wind or a butterfly on their shoulder, they are there. I think this would be the perfect book for a child who is going to school for the first time, being away from mom. Even going to camp or to Grandma’s house for the weekend. I enjoyed the phrasing. The accompanying illustrations are cute and eye-catching. This could be a book for any time to show the love a mom has for their child. I know I had a hard time going to elementary school and being away from my mother, this would have been a big help. I think it could also work for if an adult has passed on, if combined with a compassionate rewording here and there.
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Sorry we missed our review yesterday, but JJ was having fun at her best friend’s birthday party. But we’re back, and today we’re reviewing the lovely That’s Me Loving You, written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Teagan White, a beautiful story of a mother’s everlasting love for her child.
Written in rhyming text, the narrator speaks to her child about how a mother’s love always surrounds her them, even when the mommy isn’t there. A shining star is her wink. A clap of thunder is her cheering her child on. A soft breeze is blown kisses, and a butterfly’s wings are her hugs. So no matter where her child goes, no matter how long or how far, they can know that their mama is always with them, loving them.
What a sweet, timeless sentiment, and wonderfully executed. A mother’s unconditional love is always a classic subject for a book, but the notion that reminders of this love are in the world all around us makes this a special story with a great takeaway lesson for little ones. But what really steals the show is the absolutely darling art, showing each gesture of motherly affection to a different child, each illustration filled with sweet innocence and charm. The length is perfect, and while the ending is a bit abrupt, JJ and I both loved this one. A lovely story for mommies to share with their little readers, and it’s Baby Bookworm approved!
Amy Krouse Rosenthal uses both gentle rhyming and delicate watercolor images to let the reader know that mom is with the child all the time. She cleverly utilizes visual representations such as "a drifting cloud," "an inviting ocean," "a persistent mosquito" and a "soft breeze" to describe how ever-present mom's love is, even when she is not visible. Additionally, the question-answer format offers a great deal of personification to help the child understand where they are and how they are present. We see this when the child asks, "that clap of thunder?" and the mom responds with the action, "that's me raving about you." Throughout the picture book, themes of relationship, love, bravery, and loneliness are evident as the child seeks to explore the world without his mother by his side. I found this book to be tender, endearing, and warm-hearted. I stayed engaged and wanted to keep flipping the page to find where the mother would be next and how Rosenthal would put words to the situation. Furthermore, the illustrations throughout the book were very aesthetically pleasing and intriguing to look at. I believe this book would be a great addition to any family library, especially those with children struggling with separation anxiety. This could also be a great read in early childhood classrooms as a calming and reassuring tool, as many children have a hard time leaving their parents and transitioning between environments.
A very sweet and gentle story to be read to little ones while snuggled up in their favorite jammies and blanket... the book is filled with colorful, warm and connecting illustrations that will encourage your child to interact and ask questions, and/or will give them the courage and peace they seek from whatever they may be feeling at that moment...
The story itself flows and will bring serenity over everyone, the reader and whoever is listening. It gently soothes all involved; allowing everyone to believe that they're not alone. It encourages children that no matter what situation they may be, whether they are in school, with the babysitter, or if a loved one has gone away for a long time or has passed away, they are never alone. That a small part of that person is/will always be with them just as long as they take a moment to remember that they are. There are little ways to remind your child to seek through their surroundings to connect to you or whomever they are missing to find reassurance, safety and love.
It is often hard for young children to remember self-coping methods when they are feeling disconnected, lonely or suffering from separation anxiety... if there is anyway to remind them of a favorite line from their favorite book, an illustrations, a toy, etc. they can eventually learn to remember on their own that someone is always thinking of them, loves them for always - and eventually they will learn to work through their feelings themselves.
An unforgettable story told from the heart! Definitely for those who adore The Kissing Hand, Guess How Much I Love You and I Love You Through and Through!
*I received this book from the publisher for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Many parents want to be with their children all the time. Many children want their parents with them all the time. As children grow older, this isn’t always possible. Amy Rosenthal addresses separation anxiety in a way that could calm the fears of nervous children (and parents). The book touchingly reminds children that even when they are separated, parents are thinking of them. Children can be reminded of a parent’s love through things they see every day in nature – stars, clouds, the wind, sun, rainbows and more.
Teagan White artwork gives children a visualization of the words so that if they are separated, the pictures can remind the child of the love of their parent. The colors are a bit subdued – reflecting the mood of a child with separation anxiety. The illustrations are inviting, encouraging children to remember the love of their caregiver.
If you know a toddler who suffers from separation anxiety or are a pre school teacher, I recommend. That’s Me Loving You.
I want to thank Random House Children’s Books for the complimentary copy in exchange for this honest review.
Love infuses every page of this picture book, a tribute to the relationships we build and those moments spent together. The simple but powerful lines provide a gentle but palpable reminder that even when we are far away from those we love, they are with us still. Even we cannot see the person we love for whatever reason, it helps to know that he/she is thinking of us. I could see this picture book with its lovely, color-drenched illustrations easing the pain of a separation that is temporary or one that is more permanent. I also liked the fact that it is Nature that brings comfort to the youngsters in the book. Reading this book left me smiling and hoping that I provide this feeling for others at least once in a blue moon. I will this talented writer's authorial voice and savor the words with which she has left us. This would be a wonderful read aloud for sharing with someone setting off on a journey or heading to sleepaway camp for the first time or, for that matter, a great book for marking someone's high school or college graduation.
I am a big fan of Teagan White's illustrations and this new book is no exception. Unlike a lot of other reviewers, I didn't have the impression that the beginning of the book seemed like it was for a child who had lost a parent. All throughout, I felt it could be about any kind of separation, so I don't have some of the same issues others had. I did find the text a tad bit over-sentimental though -- and I am usually a sucker (in a good way) for sentimental children's books. I won't be buying a copy, but glad I borrowed it from the library.
Edited to add: Well, I shall eat my words because I did buy a copy for my son for Valentines Day. I just love Teagan White’s work and this was missing from our collection — and when I saw it on our local bookstores Valentine display, I did think it fit the holiday perfectly. Even though I liked it the first time, it’s sweet simplicity is growing on me even more.
Rosenthal wrote this book for her children, before her untimely death from cancer. Knowing this makes me have to hold back a few tears every time I read it to my daughter - but I do like that it is the author's generous reminder to us to cherish the connections we have with our children. My daughter (who I have not shared the background of the story with) simply enjoys the reminder that she is loved and watched over. The text is relatively simple and sweet, and the retro illustrations very charming. However, the thing I like most about this book is reading it with groups of younger children to spark an interest in noticing how the natural world works. The links between family, love and natural events - such as rain and sun - offer a very effective way of allowing little children to personalise and see relevance in the natural world around them.