Common Sense Media Review
By Mandie Caroll
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Warmly illustrated, sweet lists of cat, dog, kid loves.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 2+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In A BOOK OF LOVES, objects beloved by cats, dogs, and children are featured on single-word pages paired with an illustration that embodies the item, like two cats sitting on a fence for "friends," or, for "couches," a dog stretched out sleeping on a green sofa. And what do all felines, canines, and kids have in common? They all love love!
Is It Any Good?
Told in an exceedingly simple way, this charming book communicates the comforting message that love is love, no matter who (or what) feels it. Cynthia Rylant's lists of beloved things are recognizable to even very young kids who have any exposure to cats or dogs. Her engaging, child-like drawings will have toddlers comparing which items their cats and dogs and friends love, or even making their own lists. A Book of Loves is a great pick for Valentine's Day or any day your little one needs some extra love and silliness.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the beloved things included in A Book of Loves. If you know a cat or a dog, do they love the same things as the cats and dogs in this story?
If you wrote your own book of loves, what items would be in it. Why?
Talk about what the cats, dogs, and kids all have in common. What do they all love? How do you show love for the people and animals in your life?
Which are your favorite pcitures in this book? Why?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Cynthia Rylant
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Animals ( Cats , Dogs ) , Holidays ( Valentine's Day )
- Character Strengths : Empathy
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Beach Lane Books
- Publication date : January 6, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : January 29, 2026
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate