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Honey, I Love
Charming full-color illustrtions complement an enchanting, heartwarming poem about love and the simple joys of life, in a sturdy picture-poem book that uses repetition, rhythm, and rhyme to help preschoolers build a firm foundation for reading skills.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1978
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About the author
Eloise Greenfield
74 books54 followersGreenfield was born Eloise Little in Parmele, North Carolina, and grew up in Washington, D.C., during the Great Depression in the Langston Terrace housing project, which provided a warm childhood experience for her.[1] She was the second oldest of five children of Weston W. Little and his wife Lessie Blanche (née Jones) Little (1906–1986). A shy and studious child, she loved music and took piano lessons.[2][3] Greenfield experienced racism first-hand in the segregated southern U.S., especially when she visited her grandparents in North Carolina and Virginia.[4] She graduated from Cardozo Senior High School in 1946 and attended Miner Teachers College until 1949. In her third year, however, she found that she was too shy to be a teacher and dropped out.[5]
Greenfield began work in the civil service at the U.S. Patent Office. In 1950, she married World War II veteran Robert J. Greenfield, a long-time friend. She began writing poetry and songs in the 1950s while working at the Patent Office, finally succeeding in getting her first poem published in the Hartford Times in 1962 after many years of writing and submitting poetry and stories.[6] After joining the District of Columbia Black Writers Workshop in 1971, she began to write books for children. She has published more than 40 children's books, including picture books, novels, poetry and biographies. She says that she seeks to "choose and order words that children will celebrate".[5][7]
Dismayed by the depiction of blacks and black communities in popular media, Greenfield has focused her work on realistic but positive portrayals of African-American communities, families and friendships.[1] These relationships are emphasized in Sister (1974) a young girl copes with the death of a parent with the help of other family members, Me and Nessie (1975) about best friends, My Daddy and I (1991) and Big Friend, Little Friend (1991) about mentoring.[5] Her first book, Bubbles (1972), "sets the tone for much of Greenfield's later work: Realistic portrayals of loving African American parents working hard to provide for their families, and the children who face life's challenges with a positive outlook."[1] In She Come Bringing Me that Little Baby Girl (1974), a boy deals with feelings of envy and learns to share his parents' love when his baby sister arrives. The poignant Alesia (1981) concerns the bravery of a girl handicapped by a childhood accident. Night on Neighborhood Street (1991) is a collection of poems depicting everyday life in an urban community. One of her best-known books, Honey I Love, first published in 1978, is a collection of poems for people of all ages concerning the daily lives and loving relationships of children and families. Her semi-autobiographical book Childtimes: A Three-Generation Memoir (1979) describes her happy childhood in a neighborhood with strong positive relationships.[5] In the introduction to that book, she explains her interest in biography:
People are a part of their time. They are affected, during the time that they live by the things that happen in their world. Big things and small things. A war, an invention such as radio or television, a birthday party, a kiss. All of these help to shape the present and the future. If we could know more about our ancestors, about the experiences they had when they were children, and after they had grown up, too, we would know much more about what has shaped us and our world.[8]
In 1971, Greenfield began work for the District of Columbia Black Writers' Workshop, as co-director of adult fiction and then, in 1973, as director of children's literature. That group's goal was to encourage the writing and publishing of African-American literature. She was writer-in-residence at the District of Columbia Commission on the Arts and Humanities in 1985-86 and taught creative writing in schools under grants from the Commission. She has also lectured and given free workshops on writing of African-American children's
Greenfield began work in the civil service at the U.S. Patent Office. In 1950, she married World War II veteran Robert J. Greenfield, a long-time friend. She began writing poetry and songs in the 1950s while working at the Patent Office, finally succeeding in getting her first poem published in the Hartford Times in 1962 after many years of writing and submitting poetry and stories.[6] After joining the District of Columbia Black Writers Workshop in 1971, she began to write books for children. She has published more than 40 children's books, including picture books, novels, poetry and biographies. She says that she seeks to "choose and order words that children will celebrate".[5][7]
Dismayed by the depiction of blacks and black communities in popular media, Greenfield has focused her work on realistic but positive portrayals of African-American communities, families and friendships.[1] These relationships are emphasized in Sister (1974) a young girl copes with the death of a parent with the help of other family members, Me and Nessie (1975) about best friends, My Daddy and I (1991) and Big Friend, Little Friend (1991) about mentoring.[5] Her first book, Bubbles (1972), "sets the tone for much of Greenfield's later work: Realistic portrayals of loving African American parents working hard to provide for their families, and the children who face life's challenges with a positive outlook."[1] In She Come Bringing Me that Little Baby Girl (1974), a boy deals with feelings of envy and learns to share his parents' love when his baby sister arrives. The poignant Alesia (1981) concerns the bravery of a girl handicapped by a childhood accident. Night on Neighborhood Street (1991) is a collection of poems depicting everyday life in an urban community. One of her best-known books, Honey I Love, first published in 1978, is a collection of poems for people of all ages concerning the daily lives and loving relationships of children and families. Her semi-autobiographical book Childtimes: A Three-Generation Memoir (1979) describes her happy childhood in a neighborhood with strong positive relationships.[5] In the introduction to that book, she explains her interest in biography:
People are a part of their time. They are affected, during the time that they live by the things that happen in their world. Big things and small things. A war, an invention such as radio or television, a birthday party, a kiss. All of these help to shape the present and the future. If we could know more about our ancestors, about the experiences they had when they were children, and after they had grown up, too, we would know much more about what has shaped us and our world.[8]
In 1971, Greenfield began work for the District of Columbia Black Writers' Workshop, as co-director of adult fiction and then, in 1973, as director of children's literature. That group's goal was to encourage the writing and publishing of African-American literature. She was writer-in-residence at the District of Columbia Commission on the Arts and Humanities in 1985-86 and taught creative writing in schools under grants from the Commission. She has also lectured and given free workshops on writing of African-American children's
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
August 30, 2017
Absolutely delightful, beautiful, fun... and important. I hope everyone who interacts with children of any race or culture shares it with them. And I hope it brings more of us to the classic Honey, I Love and Other Love Poems. Gilchrist's narrator is a charmer that I believe we can all fall in love with. Can you guess the one thing she does *not* love?
September 4, 2021
Honey, I Love this story.
I love it for its beauty found in its smile.
I love it for calming my soul for a while.
I love it for being part of a child's world.
I love it for the adult I may be, but missing the little girl.
Thank you, Ms. Greenfield, for sharing your glory and creativity. You're an inspiration to us all. Rest in Power.
I love it for its beauty found in its smile.
I love it for calming my soul for a while.
I love it for being part of a child's world.
I love it for the adult I may be, but missing the little girl.
Thank you, Ms. Greenfield, for sharing your glory and creativity. You're an inspiration to us all. Rest in Power.
January 17, 2013
Age group:7-11
Eloise Greenfield
I did not necessarily like this book. The story line was ok. It just talked about all the things that the little girl loved but the structure of the book was not good. There was little to no punctuation that made it one big long sentence. At the end of each thing she liked there was never a proper start to a new thing she liked. Like I said one big long sentence.
Eloise Greenfield
I did not necessarily like this book. The story line was ok. It just talked about all the things that the little girl loved but the structure of the book was not good. There was little to no punctuation that made it one big long sentence. At the end of each thing she liked there was never a proper start to a new thing she liked. Like I said one big long sentence.
December 9, 2011
1. Poetry
2. This is a beautiful and rhythmic poem about all the things a little girl loves in her life.
3. A- The illustrations are endearing and warm, they help bring the words to life.
B- This is a good, positive, appropriate, and strong poetry book for young readers! The theme is positive because it is based on very simple things to love or enjoy in life. All children will be able to relate to at least one thing described in this book. I found the repetition to be appropriate because it was not overwhelming. This format was different then most poetry books, and I thought this was a good thing because it reveals how simple poetry can be.
C- One example I thought was really sweet was when the little girl describes what she loves about playing dolls with Renee. “Honey, let me tell you that I LOVE the laughing sound I love to make the laughing sound.”
4. This could tie into a reading or writing lesson. The book could be used for a poetry lesson, but it can also be used when discussing repetition or rhyme.
2. This is a beautiful and rhythmic poem about all the things a little girl loves in her life.
3. A- The illustrations are endearing and warm, they help bring the words to life.
B- This is a good, positive, appropriate, and strong poetry book for young readers! The theme is positive because it is based on very simple things to love or enjoy in life. All children will be able to relate to at least one thing described in this book. I found the repetition to be appropriate because it was not overwhelming. This format was different then most poetry books, and I thought this was a good thing because it reveals how simple poetry can be.
C- One example I thought was really sweet was when the little girl describes what she loves about playing dolls with Renee. “Honey, let me tell you that I LOVE the laughing sound I love to make the laughing sound.”
4. This could tie into a reading or writing lesson. The book could be used for a poetry lesson, but it can also be used when discussing repetition or rhyme.
February 10, 2017
Honey, I love is one of my all time favorites!
August 11, 2012
The illustrations are perfect for this poem, Honey, I love.
AR 2.4
AR 2.4
July 11, 2014
I can't wait to read this out loud.
January 30, 2019
This book is all about the things a young girl loves. She talks about how much she loves her mama and how she is comforting to her. When the girls family visits she enjoys their southern accents. She repeats how much she loves the way Her cousin talks. She loves water and when she's playing in the hose, she compares the stream to a flying pool. The pictures are almost realistic and seem almost like they were done by watercolor painting. They follow along with the plot and are very descriptive. She loves to play with dolls and laugh with her friends. Overall, I enjoyed reading this story because I can relate to her. When she's visiting the country she says she loves to look out the windows and see the cows. My boyfriend lives in Tennessee and when we go visit his family I love riding in the car and looking out the window seeing the cows as we pass by. In a future classroom, I could use this to assess student comprehension in making lists or recalling details or events in stories. I could also use this while learning to read because it had a simple and repetitive vocabulary.
September 8, 2021
Honey , I love is a short poem about things that a little girl loves and does not love. She finds love in things as simple as kissing her mamas arm but not in going to bed. The illustrations are simple and will be received well by children while also completely getting the story across without even reading the words. In my opinion the book is super cute and even relatable to myself because I was also once a little African American girl who loved southern accents and the sound of laughter. It can also be generalized to almost all students though because what kind wouldn’t love running through the water hose and playing with friends ? I think this book could be used all throughout elementary school considering I am a college student and enjoyed the book , but at the same time the vocabulary isn’t too difficult for a 1st grader to also enjoy. This book could be used at the beginning of the year for when you are still trying to learn things that your students love/ enjoy. This book could get their gears turning and thinking about themselves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2022
The story is narrated by a young African American girl. She shares the idea that the simple things mean the most in life, and that we should find joy in the most simple things. The young narrator shares that love and joy is found everywhere, and most of the time, you do not have to find it.
Throughout the poems, the young girl shares different ideas that make her happy and what she finds joy out of. Every joy that she finds is always simple and humbling. This story is diverse, as the main character is an African American girl, as well as humbling and loving, which teaches young readers to take joy out of the simple things in life. This story invites readers to celebrate the simple joys of loving and living life. I absolutely loved this story, as it is something that I plan to read to my students in my future!
Throughout the poems, the young girl shares different ideas that make her happy and what she finds joy out of. Every joy that she finds is always simple and humbling. This story is diverse, as the main character is an African American girl, as well as humbling and loving, which teaches young readers to take joy out of the simple things in life. This story invites readers to celebrate the simple joys of loving and living life. I absolutely loved this story, as it is something that I plan to read to my students in my future!
May 1, 2018
1. George C. Stone Center for Children's Books' Recognition of Merit Award
2.Pre K - 3rd Grade
3. This book is a collection of different poems of everything this little girl loves. Her love ranges from the way her cousin talks to taking rides in the car. This book shows a lot of little things in life that we love that we may not acknowledge everyday.
4. I really loved this collection, it made me think about little things in my life that I love. It was very easy to read and understand and the illustrations were done well.
5. I could use this book in my classroom to show poetry, do an activity about love, or just as a read aloud.
2.Pre K - 3rd Grade
3. This book is a collection of different poems of everything this little girl loves. Her love ranges from the way her cousin talks to taking rides in the car. This book shows a lot of little things in life that we love that we may not acknowledge everyday.
4. I really loved this collection, it made me think about little things in my life that I love. It was very easy to read and understand and the illustrations were done well.
5. I could use this book in my classroom to show poetry, do an activity about love, or just as a read aloud.
March 24, 2022
"Honey, I Love" is a beautifully illustrated poem about all the things she loves. From her cousins voice to kissing her mother's arm. The author, Eloise Greenfield" uses rhyme throughout the poem. A lot fo children like rhyming poems because it is catchy, easier to read, and more fun to listen to. The illustrations are extremely realistic with the texture, the colors, and the details. It looks like watercolor, although I am not one hundred percent sure that is correct. Over all I loved the poem. It would be perfect to read to students during a poetry lesson as well as to teach them to find the things they love and appreciate the little things in life.
January 29, 2020
Honey, I Love by Eloise Greenfield (poetry)
This is such a cute book for younger elementary aged kids! This book is about loving the life that you are living and loving yourself too. It is about a young, cheerful African-American girl who shares all the things she loves. Some of these include different moments in her life that are special to her, how much she loves them, and why she may love these things so much. It reminds and encourages others to live life to the fullest and love everything you are doing. Also, do not forget to love yourself too!!!
This is such a cute book for younger elementary aged kids! This book is about loving the life that you are living and loving yourself too. It is about a young, cheerful African-American girl who shares all the things she loves. Some of these include different moments in her life that are special to her, how much she loves them, and why she may love these things so much. It reminds and encourages others to live life to the fullest and love everything you are doing. Also, do not forget to love yourself too!!!
June 20, 2022
6/20/2022 ~ This 2003 picture book version of the poem originally published in the 1978 anthology illustrated by Leo & Diane Dillon stands the test of time beautifully. I can't believe it's not already in my elementary library collection, but I will rectify that oversight this year. The kids clothes don't appear that different from clothing worn in the 2020s. The three areas that appear somewhat dated are the kids' swimsuits, the van, and the clothes of the mom standing by the van.
This poem would make a lovely mentor text for student poets working on a class assignment.
This poem would make a lovely mentor text for student poets working on a class assignment.
November 4, 2022
Honey, I love
By eloise greenfield
Taking the voice from the characters love of her southern cousins voice, reading this book in a southern accent make the kindergarteners connect immediately with the book. With the adult in the room just as captivated as the kids. They were excited with each reveal and moment described in the book. Finding the joy the author expresses, with her southern appeal and charms. Her turn of phrase opened their eyes to phraseology from outside their experience and connected immediately with them.
By eloise greenfield
Taking the voice from the characters love of her southern cousins voice, reading this book in a southern accent make the kindergarteners connect immediately with the book. With the adult in the room just as captivated as the kids. They were excited with each reveal and moment described in the book. Finding the joy the author expresses, with her southern appeal and charms. Her turn of phrase opened their eyes to phraseology from outside their experience and connected immediately with them.
April 2, 2020
Honey, I Love by Eloise Greenfield is a poem about the simple joys in life through the perspective of a young girl. I would use this book in my future classroom to encourage my students to think positively and find joy in the little tasks they do every day. I would have them write a list of all the things that bring them joy each day, and I would later hang them around the classroom as a reminder of the things that make us happy each day.
April 6, 2020
1st-3rd grade
Contemporary realistic fiction
I love this story and the diversity that it brings to the classroom. This book is one of few without any white characters. I love that this book provides a picture of a little black girls life and what it is like between her, her family relationships, and friendships. The illustrations make this book complete and exciting as you read through the story. I love the realism of the illustrations and the clarity of the story throughout.
Contemporary realistic fiction
I love this story and the diversity that it brings to the classroom. This book is one of few without any white characters. I love that this book provides a picture of a little black girls life and what it is like between her, her family relationships, and friendships. The illustrations make this book complete and exciting as you read through the story. I love the realism of the illustrations and the clarity of the story throughout.
April 7, 2022
This book was a rhyming poem about a little girl who loves a lot. I love the joy this main character finds in all the little things in her life. It is a calm, joyful story. I like that is it written as a poem in picture book form. The illustrations in this book are beautiful as well. The pictures show so much emotion and you can really see what the character is feeling when you look at them. I think this is a great story to encourage positive thinking and enjoying the little things in life.
May 7, 2019
1st-2nd
The story is told through the eyes of a young girl. She tells us about all of the things she loves. From her, we learn you can find love anywhere.
I really liked these poems. They are all about love, which is great for a child to hear. The illustrations are also great.
Students can write a poem about what they love.
Students can create a class book about what they love.
The story is told through the eyes of a young girl. She tells us about all of the things she loves. From her, we learn you can find love anywhere.
I really liked these poems. They are all about love, which is great for a child to hear. The illustrations are also great.
Students can write a poem about what they love.
Students can create a class book about what they love.
April 12, 2022
I enjoyed how this book shows a young girl and how she enjoys just living her life with her family and friends. The author rhymes within the entire book making it very enjoyable to read. I also loved the illustrations as it shows a young girl as happy as can be. This is a good way to show students poetry.
April 24, 2025
More of a disjointed poem than a picture book with any sort of strong theme or story. I just don’t know who the audience for this sort of story is. (Though, I’m almost 30, so one could argue I am REALLY not the audience and that’d be fair). The art is absolutely stunning and I am begging us to bring back watercolor style children’s books. But the rest of it just isn't for me.
July 20, 2017
I love the original collection of poems by Eloise Greenfield. This picture book version is over a dozen years old now and its age is showing. The hairstyles and clothes are very 90s. However, the idea of turning a poem into a picture book is inspirational to young writers.
September 14, 2017
This is a great book. I really enjoyed reading. Poetry for young readers is great. This story follows a young girl through the things in her life she loves. Things like her cousin, his voice, playing in the water, but not sleep. A simple book with great Illustrations.
April 21, 2018
This is a sweet book about loving everything around you. I'm not a fan of these song/poem books though because I don't know how it's supposed to go, and when I start reading it I get into one style of reading only to have it interrupted because it's not the right cadence.
July 12, 2020
(Early non-fiction) a young African American girl travels south (from where, it is not stated) to visit relatives and expresses love in multitudes; can’t discern why this is non-fiction; written in 1978, illustrated in 2003 hardback via Madison County Public Library, Berea, unnumbered pgs.
March 10, 2021
I listened to the school librarian read this book to a group of first or second graders back in 1995 or 1996 and fell in love with it. I finally bought a copy this year. I think 2021 needs some joyous love after the dungeon of 2020.
September 29, 2021
Following a little girl and everything, she loves about her southern lifestyle. We discover she's a cheerful soul who appreciates even the smallest of things and lives her life to the fullest. Even though it is a short book, the illustration defines the character and her activities. With the technique of realistic art, the illustrator illuminates the main character's personality. It is apparent to the audience that she is bubbly, adorable, and full of life. You almost feel like her joy is yours. With that in mind, the artwork is outstanding and meets my personal standards of visual elements. The realism brings the book a sense of wholesomeness. I gave this book a four only because it was short and wanted longer of a story.
Read
April 14, 2022A reiterated version of a poem Honey, I love. This poem is meant to say that love is found anywhere, anytime, and through anyone. Re-written in the form of a picture book, the concept of love and the differences in the forms of love are major in an early childhood classroom.
November 23, 2024
This is a sweet picture book. The little girl who narrates it tells us about several things she loves, and one thing she most definitely does not. The art is nice. The overall feel of the book is wholesome, though there is some humor. All in all, its a feel-good read.
November 24, 2024
Greenfield Trees #1
Nicely told story is a slice of life wrapped around that expression Honey, I Love.Well told with a poetic feel and with real rhythm.I am interested in exploring more of the works of this author.
Nicely told story is a slice of life wrapped around that expression Honey, I Love.Well told with a poetic feel and with real rhythm.I am interested in exploring more of the works of this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews