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What I Like Most
In a lyrical story by Mary Murphy, gorgeously illustrated by award-winning artist Zhu Cheng-Liang, a child offers an ode to her favorite things -- and people.
What I like most in the world is my window. This morning, through my window, I see the postman at the red gate. . . .
A little girl observes, one by one, the things that give her pleasure -- the apricot jam on her toast, the light-up shoes that make her feet bounce, the sparkling river, the pencil whose color comes out like a ribbon. But even after the jar becomes empty, and the shoes grow too small, and the pencil is all used up, one thing will never change. In a tenderly imagined story, Mary Murphy celebrates the intimacy of the bond between mother and child, while Zhu Cheng-Liang's wonderfully inviting artwork brings the day-to-day details to life.
What I like most in the world is my window. This morning, through my window, I see the postman at the red gate. . . .
A little girl observes, one by one, the things that give her pleasure -- the apricot jam on her toast, the light-up shoes that make her feet bounce, the sparkling river, the pencil whose color comes out like a ribbon. But even after the jar becomes empty, and the shoes grow too small, and the pencil is all used up, one thing will never change. In a tenderly imagined story, Mary Murphy celebrates the intimacy of the bond between mother and child, while Zhu Cheng-Liang's wonderfully inviting artwork brings the day-to-day details to life.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published April 7, 2020
110 people want to read
About the author
Mary Murphy
68 books28 followersChildren's author and illustrator Mary Murphy enchants even the youngest of readers with her bold style, combining eye-catching graphics and a bouncy text that seemingly jump off the pages.
Mary Murphy has an advanced diploma in Visual Communications and has written and illustrated a number of children's books, including her lift-the-flap, pull-the-tab book about friendship, ROXIE AND BO TOGETHER. In addition to creating children's books, she teaches illustration. The author-illustrator lives in Galway, Ireland.
Mary Murphy has an advanced diploma in Visual Communications and has written and illustrated a number of children's books, including her lift-the-flap, pull-the-tab book about friendship, ROXIE AND BO TOGETHER. In addition to creating children's books, she teaches illustration. The author-illustrator lives in Galway, Ireland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 6, 2020
Thank you Candlewick Press for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I rarely pick a children's book but something about this book drawn me and after reading it, I was almost teary-eyed on the last pages. A little girl sharing what she loves and simply appreciating all of it. I think it's important to be grateful for all the things we have in life. Big or small, we should be thankful.
We may encounter changes in life but other things remained constant. Honestly this book is sweet and beautifully illustrated. It's the kind of book that children should read. I highly recommend it.
I rarely pick a children's book but something about this book drawn me and after reading it, I was almost teary-eyed on the last pages. A little girl sharing what she loves and simply appreciating all of it. I think it's important to be grateful for all the things we have in life. Big or small, we should be thankful.
We may encounter changes in life but other things remained constant. Honestly this book is sweet and beautifully illustrated. It's the kind of book that children should read. I highly recommend it.
April 7, 2021
Starting with the window looking out at the street, a child describes several things that she likes the most. Each chosen favorite features why that person, place or thing is important to the child.
A truly international collaboration as the writer is Irish and lives in Dublin and the illustrator is Chinese and lives in Nanjing. This book was brought from the UK to the North American market by Candlewick and has a charming blend of east and west that offers broad cultural appeal. The text is lyrical, the repeating patterns in each new favorite is comforting, and the first-person narrative creates empathy with the reader. The oversize case and the lively water color and pencil illustrations make this a great book for sharing with groups as the large illustrations will be easily seen by all.
I would recommend this book for purchase by school and public libraries.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
A truly international collaboration as the writer is Irish and lives in Dublin and the illustrator is Chinese and lives in Nanjing. This book was brought from the UK to the North American market by Candlewick and has a charming blend of east and west that offers broad cultural appeal. The text is lyrical, the repeating patterns in each new favorite is comforting, and the first-person narrative creates empathy with the reader. The oversize case and the lively water color and pencil illustrations make this a great book for sharing with groups as the large illustrations will be easily seen by all.
I would recommend this book for purchase by school and public libraries.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
October 13, 2020
A lovely story about a little girl who sees the world in a very positive way. She talks about all the things she likes most in the world with lovely descriptions. She ends by saying the thing she loves most is her mum, children are likely to be able to relate to this thinking of a person who means a lot to them. The illustrations are beautiful and show the story very well. A nice book to share with FS and KS1 children.
March 7, 2020
Lovely children's book about what love looks like to a child. Art features diversity as well ❤️
Everything I read in 2020 here :)
Everything I read in 2020 here :)
December 2, 2019
This is a really nice picture book where the little girl acknowledges change. I think this is really important for children as change can be a scary thing
November 5, 2020
I liked how this one showed that we can enjoy a variety of things and since nothing lasts forever we should live in the moment with that joy.
February 20, 2021
Enjoyed the Asian protagonist and bright pictures
October 15, 2021
My 5 y.o. daughter loves the illustrations, and likes to tell me what she likes best about each page!
May 27, 2020
I love the thought process demonstrated in this book, I can just imagine a little kid saying, "I like this most in the world" expounding upon why and then saying, "Except I like this even more..." on and on until they get to the actual thing/person they like the most, their mom. :) This would make a wonderful Mother's Day present, birthday present, or just mom-appreciation present.
I also thought the pictures were lovely and enjoyed that the little girl delights in such everyday things. Extra likes because not only is the lead racially diverse (of Asian decent), her little friends are too (Indian, African American, and Caucasian).
I also thought the pictures were lovely and enjoyed that the little girl delights in such everyday things. Extra likes because not only is the lead racially diverse (of Asian decent), her little friends are too (Indian, African American, and Caucasian).
December 22, 2020
There’s this, and this, and this…
In a lyrical story by Mary Murphy, gorgeously illustrated by award-winning artist Zhu Cheng-Liang, a child offers an ode to her favorite things — and people.
What I like most in the world is my window. This morning, through my window, I see the postman at the red gate. . . .
A little girl observes, one by one, the things that give her pleasure — the apricot jam on her toast, the light-up shoes that make her feet bounce, the sparkling river, the pencil whose color comes out like a ribbon. But even after the jar becomes empty, and the shoes grow too small, and the pencil is all used up, one thing will never change. In a tenderly imagined story, Mary Murphy celebrates the intimacy of the bond between mother and child, while Zhu Cheng-Liang’s wonderfully inviting artwork brings the day-to-day details to life.
Out April 2020
32 Pages
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
In typical childish style, the story is sweet and fickle, jumping from one thing to the next showing a love for so much. The ending is so wonderful for any child to relate to and the book would serve best being read together with mom. I love the artwork, Zhu’s illustrations are colorful and complimentary to the story. There is so much in the world to fascinate and entice a child and their imagination even by looking through a window. The author’s voice is genuine but at times seems older than it should, yet, she manages to reign it in so as not to spoil the innocent wonder of the story.
In a lyrical story by Mary Murphy, gorgeously illustrated by award-winning artist Zhu Cheng-Liang, a child offers an ode to her favorite things — and people.
What I like most in the world is my window. This morning, through my window, I see the postman at the red gate. . . .
A little girl observes, one by one, the things that give her pleasure — the apricot jam on her toast, the light-up shoes that make her feet bounce, the sparkling river, the pencil whose color comes out like a ribbon. But even after the jar becomes empty, and the shoes grow too small, and the pencil is all used up, one thing will never change. In a tenderly imagined story, Mary Murphy celebrates the intimacy of the bond between mother and child, while Zhu Cheng-Liang’s wonderfully inviting artwork brings the day-to-day details to life.
Out April 2020
32 Pages
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
In typical childish style, the story is sweet and fickle, jumping from one thing to the next showing a love for so much. The ending is so wonderful for any child to relate to and the book would serve best being read together with mom. I love the artwork, Zhu’s illustrations are colorful and complimentary to the story. There is so much in the world to fascinate and entice a child and their imagination even by looking through a window. The author’s voice is genuine but at times seems older than it should, yet, she manages to reign it in so as not to spoil the innocent wonder of the story.
February 28, 2025
"What I Like Most" is a story about a girl who talks about what she likes most in the world. The things she likes most changes every few pages which is very realistic to a child's way of thinking. She goes from her window to shoes to the river until finally she ends the book talking about her mom. Her mom was there for her even before she was born and is the constant thing she likes the very most in the world.
I really enjoyed the flow of this book because it had a very good rhythm. I also really like the diverse communities represented in the novel as well. I think the overall message of the book is good because it ends with how she loves her mom the most in the world. As children discover new things, they are convinced it is their new favorite thing in the world. They may forget about their family as they discover these new things so this story is an important reminder to appreciate your family. For these reasons, I would include this novel in my future classroom.
I really enjoyed the flow of this book because it had a very good rhythm. I also really like the diverse communities represented in the novel as well. I think the overall message of the book is good because it ends with how she loves her mom the most in the world. As children discover new things, they are convinced it is their new favorite thing in the world. They may forget about their family as they discover these new things so this story is an important reminder to appreciate your family. For these reasons, I would include this novel in my future classroom.
December 2, 2019
We all have things that we treasure and young children often have plenty of things that they love 'the most'. In this latest picturebook from Mary Murphy (illustrated by Zhu Cheng-Liang), our young protagonist lists the things that she loves best. Each object is presented in a repeated refrain in which she recalls the object's beauty and the essence of what it is that touches her. As she ruminates on why she likes little things like chips and a red pencil, the young narrator leads to a more profound 'like' in that of her mother.
There is something tender here in the beauty the young girl sees in the world around her and the simple things that she loves but we take for granted. She is observant, wise and compassionate. Murphy's words are gentle and rhythmic whilst Cheng-Liang's incredible water-colours are a true delight. A wise and touching picturebook.
There is something tender here in the beauty the young girl sees in the world around her and the simple things that she loves but we take for granted. She is observant, wise and compassionate. Murphy's words are gentle and rhythmic whilst Cheng-Liang's incredible water-colours are a true delight. A wise and touching picturebook.
May 8, 2020
A little girl tells in detail about the many things she likes most in the world. Each favorite thing is described in detail, with lovely pencil and watercolor illustrations giving them substance. Each item is personalized by her experience and interpretation. Her window is one thing she likes most in the world because it doesn't change, but what she sees through it does change. This is an invitation for readers to look at their world with eyes that see through and beyond. She also loves the river, and the view of her and her pals sitting on a rock in the middle of the river and splashing along the edge channels the joy of being a kid. I like the repeated refrain of "what I like most in the world" - it's the endearing viewpoint of a young child who can have many "best." A sweet and imaginative book, which ends with her Mom being the one she likes "the very, very most in the world.
August 12, 2020
Starting immediately with the delicate cherry blossom watercolor art of the front end-sheet and the tree of autumn at the end, I knew I was going to love this book. The illustrations are beyond superb. Each one is a piece of art that creates a lvog atmosphere that accompanies the thoughtful text, that is full of curiosity and wonderment.
This is such an amazing early mindfulness book that will be enjoyed by children and adults alike who will all feel the lasting impression of the illustrations and words way past the reading of the story. This book will delight the senses and offers many factual images of seasons, climate, locations, animals and activities. This book conjures up for me The Children of Noisy Village by Astrid Lindgren. This book is sure to become a childhood classic. I cannot recommend it enough!
This is such an amazing early mindfulness book that will be enjoyed by children and adults alike who will all feel the lasting impression of the illustrations and words way past the reading of the story. This book will delight the senses and offers many factual images of seasons, climate, locations, animals and activities. This book conjures up for me The Children of Noisy Village by Astrid Lindgren. This book is sure to become a childhood classic. I cannot recommend it enough!
November 2, 2019
Mary Murphy, renowned for her bright, bold picture books, gives us a gentle story of one young girls favourite things. The clear, easy text flows through pages brought to life by the exquisite, attentive illustrations of Zhu Cheng-Liang, taking the reader on a journey through her observations and feelings. As this child sees how even her most favourite things change over time, she is confident that her mother will not. She has always been there, since before she was born and always will be, adding an expanded and warm dimension to every day. It is a tender consideration of the enduring love a child has for her mother. Such a lovely book in every way, it is my new favourite thing. Touching, wondrous and beautiful.
July 1, 2020
It's a unique cumulative tale by Mary Murphy when a young girl says she likes her window most because of the things she sees outside. Those things change and she says: "This window is what I like most in the world." Turn the page and it's "except for apricot jam". I imagine you know how it will go, but those things she likes most are lovely surprises, all shown in the happiest of colors and details by Zhu Cheng-Liang. The endpapers move from springtime cherry blossoms to autumn colors - beautiful, too. If you teach, you will want to enjoy this as a mentor text so your students can have lots of fun writing "what they love most", with illustrations! I loved it
First published in the UK by Walker Books, now in the US! Thanks to Candlewick Press for the copy!
First published in the UK by Walker Books, now in the US! Thanks to Candlewick Press for the copy!
February 16, 2025
This book had a really interesting premise. It went through the thought's of a young girl explaining what she liked most in the world. Each time she got to the end of a thought, though the thing she liked most in the world changed until finally she got to her mother where she doesn't change her mind. It goes through the dynamics of seeing how many things may seem like the ultimate thing in life but your interests often change. You learn that ultimately relationships with those most important to you are what remain the most important thing in life.
In my classroom I would use this book to teach them about the value and fun that can come from toys, but how we shouldn't let that become more important than how we treat our parents and friends.
In my classroom I would use this book to teach them about the value and fun that can come from toys, but how we shouldn't let that become more important than how we treat our parents and friends.
November 12, 2019
Why do I love this book so much? Is it the simple yet lyrical text by Irish writer, Mary Murphy? Is it the exquisite watercolour illustrations by Chinese artist, Zhu Cheng-Liang, at once both delicate and strong? Or is it the seamless blend of both, leaving space for the reader to bring their own interpretation to the story? A young girl talks about her favourite things – looking out the window, apricot jam – things that keep changing. But her mother is always constant, the girl’s most favourite thing of all. A gentle, profound book about love, don’t miss it! Age 3+.
March 21, 2020
This book is simple yet meaningful. I love the message behind this story. How we need to cherish every single thing and person we have at the moment. How the girl teaches us to love the nature and to appreciate our family members.
The illustrations are so colourful and stunning. It is indeed eye catching and I think perfect for children. I believe the short and simple narrations for every single thing the girl has shown love to would be easy for kids to pick up and read along.
As a teacher, I'd highly recommend this book for kids to pick up and read!
The illustrations are so colourful and stunning. It is indeed eye catching and I think perfect for children. I believe the short and simple narrations for every single thing the girl has shown love to would be easy for kids to pick up and read along.
As a teacher, I'd highly recommend this book for kids to pick up and read!
April 8, 2021
The watercolor and pencil illustrations are the star of this book, with lovely scenes depicting the small joys in life and the ever-changing opinions of a child; they also contain everyday diversity with children of all shades. The straightforward text reflects how a child often thinks, as she is very direct about why she likes each thing and why it is the best for her. The simple sentences sometimes sound how a child would talk. The cover shows the child holding a book with the title, as if she wrote it. Each spread discusses something new that the child has decided she likes most in the world, often ruminating on change over time and the future (which seems very mature for a child who appears to be 4 or 5). In the end, she decides that she most likes what has been with her from the very beginning – her mother. A sentimental title, not overly sweet but slow and wondering, that is best shared one-on-one between family members, perhaps as a bedtime story.
May 5, 2021
This seemingly simple story uses a successive pattern of “most favorites” as each is described and then succeeded by the next day’s favorite thing. I can relate entirely, because being asked about my favorite books (or many other things) is an impossible task. Little ones will appreciate and recognize themselves in that pattern, and can enjoy seeing a lovely Asian child illustrating the changing preferences and moods without the slightest reference to that in text. This is universal experience, and it is high time that such texts reveal universal human characters.
January 25, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. This book is about a girl who is talking about her favorite things in life. She talks about how although she knows some of her favorite things in life change she still loves it. At the end of the book she talks about how she loves her mom. She states that although they argue sometimes her mom is still what she likes most in the world.
I believe this book would be really good for the classroom. It would be good for students to realize and appreciate what they love in their life. This can be very applicable because many students are passionate from a young age.
I believe this book would be really good for the classroom. It would be good for students to realize and appreciate what they love in their life. This can be very applicable because many students are passionate from a young age.
October 13, 2021
My daughter and I really enjoy this book. Each page contains illustrations that are full-length and beautiful, full of details to point out and discuss with my daughter. I enjoyed how each page focused on one particular thing that the protagonist likes the most, and the overall message that things may change over time but at this point, this is what provides greatest comfort, is such an important and beautiful message and reminder. Love this book and highly recommend it!
October 25, 2023
One of those rare picture books for littles where the text and illustrations combine into a masterpiece.
Such a sweet, poetic picture book about loving what you experience right now, until the next moment. A book to treasure. As simple as a list of gratitudes such as her bedroom window, grandmother's apricot jam, her shoes, french fries, the river, her red pencil, a book, her teddy, and her mom.
Themes: favorites
Ages: preK (shorten) to 1st grade
Pub year: 2019
Such a sweet, poetic picture book about loving what you experience right now, until the next moment. A book to treasure. As simple as a list of gratitudes such as her bedroom window, grandmother's apricot jam, her shoes, french fries, the river, her red pencil, a book, her teddy, and her mom.
Themes: favorites
Ages: preK (shorten) to 1st grade
Pub year: 2019
September 4, 2025
Honestly I liked it better before the sentimental ending. Until then it was deep in the heart of a child, like the masterpieces by Ruth Krauss, for example Open House for Butterflies. Then we lost the child's voice and the mother took over.
September 4, 2020
The story was ok, exploring the wanderings and fleeting fancies of a young girl's mind and finishing with a heart-warming message. The illustrations are wonderful - although curiously my two favourite pages are the endpapers! I also love the cheekiness of the illustrator including one of their previously illustrated books in the story.
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February 1, 2022Talks about things changing, but still loving them despite this
would be good to read for kids as they are growing and things around them are changing (kindergarteners starting school), also ends with the girl tell her mom she loves her more than anything which would be good to read around mothers day - kids could write what they like most about their moms/dads/guardians
would be good to read for kids as they are growing and things around them are changing (kindergarteners starting school), also ends with the girl tell her mom she loves her more than anything which would be good to read around mothers day - kids could write what they like most about their moms/dads/guardians
March 22, 2022
A child describes wverything that she likes most in the world. She notes that things change, but right now these are what she likes most in the world. Her light up sneakers will wear out, or she will outgrow them, but right now she likes them most in the world. The illustrations are lovely and colorful.
October 10, 2022
A girl loves her window and what she can see outside. A girl loves grandma’s apricot jam the most. Actually her flashy shoes are the thing she loves the most. Except the river- that’s what she loves. And her pencil and fries and her book and teddy. But her favorite thing is MOM.
Good example of sharing lots of specific details in your writing.
Good example of sharing lots of specific details in your writing.
August 16, 2021
I loved the randomness of the most liked things from glitzy shoes to a red pencil, but when she concludes with loving her mom most of all, the ending is a dud. That theme is just overdone and this had a chance to go in a different direction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews