Guess How Much I Love You (by Sam McBratney)

I love you as high as I can reach! A young rabbit and his father answer the timeless question of "how do I love thee?" Handstands and hops abound as father and son search for the very best way to express their love. A sweet, simple story and smile-provoking watercolors leave readers feeling warm and cozy.

The combination of Sam McBratney's moving text and Anita Jeram's winsome illustrations is enchanting. This sentimental tale gives a good tug on the heartstrings without descending into sentimentality. Gentle humor and a pervading sense of love dominate the pages.

McBratney communicates his message in simple, kid-friendly terms. Big Nutbrown Hare's expansive responses to his son's declarations depict the unconditional love parents have for their children. Young readers will respond to the story's humor as Little Nutbrown Hare's pronouncements become more extravagant and exuberant. And Jeram's detailed portrayals of father and son rabbits are filled with tenderness, right down to the tiniest details: the angle of the ears, the simple gestures, and facial expressions. Her use of soft shaded watercolors keeps the book's mood mellow and calm -- ideal for bedtime reading.