Bethany Clark (text) and Summer Macon (illustrator), Little Love List, Affirm Kids, 24 pp., RRP $22.99 (hbk), January 2025 ISBN 9781922806758
A mother talks to her child about all the times she loves them. She has a long list of the good times and the not-so-good times, reassuring the child she loves them even when they are ‘cranky’ or cross.
The child is only ever called Litle One and is depicted in the illustrations in a non-gender specific way, making the book’s appeal universal. The parent does appear to be female but the book could just as easily be read by a father as the sentiments expressed are designed to show the love a parent, not just a mother, can have for their child.
The illustrations are in turn joyful, exuberant, playful, and gentle. They emphasise the importance of touch, as many of them show the child and parent holding hands, hugging and so on. Running through each illustration and linking the theme of the book throughout is an apparent list – a long ribbon of paper that, rather than words has hearts shown on it.
This is a loving book, ideal for sharing with small children.
Reviewed by Margot Hillel
