I Love You Sun / I Love You Moon: Te amo Sol / Te amo Luna

by Karen Pandell, Tomie dePaola (Illustrator)

A charming board book introducing children to basic animal and nature concepts in both English and Spanish, as well as a lesson in gratitude and tenderness, by the Caldecott Honor-winning author of Strega Nona .
 
In this simple yet profound story, kids connect with the world around them by pointing at the sol/sun, watering a flor/flower, and feeding a carrot to a conejo/bunny, all the while saying "Te amo/I love you" to each one—and sharing a message of care for all creation. With artwork in Tomie dePaola’s adorable signature style, this is destined to become a favorite addition to every toddler’s library.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Spanish Literature, Fiction

20 pages, Board Book

First published September 21, 1994

About the author

KAREN PANDELL is the author of the first book about this elusive dachshund, WHERE'S STRETCH?, as well as I LOVE YOU BABY, FROM HEAD TO TOE! and SAINT FRANCIS SINGS TO BROTHER SUN. She has also written several other books for children, including I LOVE YOU, SUN/I LOVE YOU, MOON, illustrated by Tomie dePaola.

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau]

I actually understood every Spanish word in this book! A first for me! It is the little things that keep you going; and I really got a boost from being able to read this book cover to cover. Next up - Don Quixote in Spanish! Just kidding - not in this lifetime for me!

[Lynn Davidson]

In 62 words and wonderful illustrations, the reader sees children loving the world around them - and learning the world loves them back. Great beginning to teach a child to care for the world we live in.

[Mary]

A nice beginner level book for new spanish learners.

[Mary Osei]

I choose this book for the very young children who are learning how to read. Speech therapist can use this book to help children with limited language. Another thing I like about this book is because it was written in two languages, (Spanish and in English).

Mary Osei

[Mavis’s Dad]

I believe in bilingualism, but this book isn’t going to get Mavis to be bilingual anytime soon. However, it’s a nice start to get her ready for Spanish 1 or maybe even the playground.

Moral: Love everything and show it!

Length: A perfect little lesson for any time of day. When The Child starts to repeat, it may take longer. But isn’t that what learning a new language is all about?

Favorite Line: “Te amo, lobo.”

Overall impression: Simple illustrations help understand what we’re loving on each page, so feel free to skip the English translation if you like. I actually like reading the Spanish aloud, followed by the English. It seems lyrical that way. Doing so also provided a wonderful chance for me to practice for my Rosetta Stone interview in the near future. Bottom line, though: you can love in any language and you should, especially right now. What the tierra needs is mas amor.

[Mary]

This is one of our favorites for our 4.5-month-old. I don't have the bilingual version other reviewers mention - ours is just in English - but it's got repetitive sentence structure and great artwork, teaching children all about loving the Earth. I especially love that it includes a wolf and does not paint the wolf as a villain!

[Julia]

This is much simpler than most of the books Stella likes right now, but she wanted to read it over and over. Diverse kids featured on the pages, good for pointing at lots of objects (sun, sheep, fish, stars, etc.)

[Rachel]

This was fine. It felt too young for my 3yo. It felt like an intro to concepts book- sun, moon, stone, water etc... rather than an actual story. Wouldn't read it again. Wouldn't buy it for a baby shower.

[Chanin]

a favorite ours, sound effects as read are fun

[CLesp]

Very short and sweet with nice illustrations to go along. Helps parents introduce Spanish to little one, or to just read and have fun.

[Theia]

Great book for your bilingual children.

[Ms. Arca]

My kiddo specific I think - she just loves loves this book.

[Emma & Evelyn Read]

We love a bilingual book over here! It is easy to read in both languages and would be a good book for any parent attempting to teach their child Spanish.

[Elizabeth Gallegos]

It’s a classic for a reason.

[Julie Darling]

I chose this book because it was illustrated by Tomie dePaola, and I had never read it. The text of the book consists of "I love you, _____" with the last line of the story "And you love me". This simplistic text is good for this age group in that it is simple and may facilitate learning via its repetitive nature. The beginning pages have small people that are most likely children, one on each side of the two paged spread. Although the children are not interacting with each other, the picture spills over the gutter and off the sides of the pages. They are in the same picture interacting with nature or animals and telling them that they love them. The final picture is all of the children holding hands. This would be a good book for Earth Day. I think children would like the story and illustrations very much. They can relate to the drawings of children, the drawings are of course, really well-done, and the story is simple and easy to follow for that age group due to the repetition.

[Rachel]

I like how this book, illustrated by Tomie de Paola, naturally teaches simple words in Spanish and English in short sentences beginning "I love you/Te amo..." This is the sort of book my daughter will memorize and read to her brother, I can just tell.

[Heather]

Very cute board book. My daughter picked it out herself and really liked it.

[Rebecca]

If you'd like to teach your child some Spanish words, this would be a nice start.

[Lorena]

Bella (6) read this one for me. =)

[Erica]

in our rotation of bedtime books.

[Deb]

Rating just went up as E. has made this the first book she's asked for me to read multiple times in a row.

[Janelle]

Beautiful illustrations by Tomie dePaola. Simple words, around the concept of "I love you". A bit flower childish in its earth message but then again I'm a bit of a flower child myself.

[Cheyenne]

A repetitious book about love.

[Leah]

Cute

[Lynn Plourde]

Each page in this board book has an "I love you" line in both Spanish and English. Love goes to the wind, trees, sun, and more. dePaola's illustrations are JOY, as always.