Mr. Bear Says I Love You (by Debi Gliori)

One word describes MR. BEAR SAYS I LOVE YOU: comforting. The illustrations, coupled with musical language, pull little ones into the simple story as Mr. Bear and his cub meet and greet the creatures around them. Tots will recognize such familiar creatures as ladybugs, grasshoppers, ducks, and owls. But best of all, the book ends with cuddles from father to child, professing absolute love.

In the book's gentle drawings, Mr. Bear always wears a subtle smile, and his little cub's furry face has the inquisitive look of a child. Although it is short, the book attracts attention from more than one age group. One 18-month-old picks it up again and again, lulled by its illustrations and singsong words -- he even gives out a kiss as Mr. Bear declares his love for his cub -- and his 4-year-old brother prides himself on reading along with his mother.