Parental Love Picture Books
Being a parent is a blessing. There are so many wonderful, absolutely unforgettable moments that stay in your memory forever. Some are the moments of sheer joy and exhilaration, others are quieter, maybe not as bright but just as special. Aren't they absolutely precious too? For me, those quiet but very vivid times with my daughters would often happen during reading time. I'd be waiting for the moment when they asked me to read aloud with a bated breath (Yippee! Yes, even when dead tired). All because it has always been a time of deep connection. There is something so peaceful about the time when your little one asks you to read to her - she is snuggled in your lap, your arms around her, she is all ears, ready to be lost in a story...
The books that I would like to highlight in the post today are celebrating this type of deep connection in various ways. Let's dive in!
Paper Dolls
By Julia Donaldson
Illustrated by Rebecca Cobb
This book is the most favourite book in our household! A very warm and touching book that talks about the gentle love of a mother to her child. I like how it discusses the importance of presence of a parent, a child's imagination and the fleeting nature of time all in one picture book.
We love reading it and even made up our own tune for those lines that repeat through the book:
"We're holding hands and we won't let go. We are Ticky and Tacky and Jackie the Backie and Jim with two noses and Joe with a bow.."
I absolutely adore the illustration style by Rebecca Cobb. There is something so warm about her portrayal of characters and the soft colors she uses - it will appeal to any child (and adult too).
I have always wished to be such a mother who can be there and help to make paper dolls!
Guess How Much I Love You
By Sam McBratney
Illustrated by Anita Jeram
It is a sweet, heart-warming story about a tender bond between Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare. The story unfolds right before bedtime:
"Guess how much I love you? asks Little Nutbrown Hare.
"Oh, I don't think I could guess that," replied Big Nutbrown Hare.
Their affectionate dialogue goes on with each of them trying to find better and more powerful words to declare their love for each other. The words will appeal to children as they are filled with warmth and love. If you are a parent you can confess how much you love your child at the moment of reading!
The beautiful illustrations by Anita Jeram are as appealing - they are soft and expressive watercolor illustrations that match the emotion of the text.
The bond is not expressed only in words, Little Nutbrown Hare felt safe in his parent's presence and "held on tight" to his very long ears.
No Matter What
By Debi Gliori
This comforting book is the one you should definitely read with a child! All of them have tough days when their strong emotions overpower them and they doubt if they are lovable enough. They question if they will still be loved "if"...This story is a reassuring one - it helps a child understand that love isn't conditional and it stays constant through mood swings, mistakes and even the darkest nights.
Debi Gliori's writing is lyrical and soothing, combined with beautiful bright illustrations by the author herself, it will certainly make a child believe that no matter what happens, love will remain.
A perfect read for quiet moments of connection that has the power of putting child's worries to rest.
Love You Forever
By Robert Munsch
Illustrated by Anthony Lewis
The story features two characters - the mother and her son from his toddler years to his adulthood. Across the years the mother's tender love goes strong. No matter what happens she repeats "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always..." because a child will always be a child for a mother no matter what age. The warm, even nostalgic illustrations created by Anthony Lewis complement the story perfectly by evoking a sense of safety and affection. A powerful read-aloud for children aged 3-7 that celebrates unconditional love. This classic story shows a bond that will resonate deeply with children and adults.
In My Heart
By Nandana Dev Sen
Illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane
This is a deeply touching and empathetic picture book that explores a child's sense of belonging. The little character, Mia, loves her parents to the moon and back - they have so much in common! But she also learns that she has a "tummy mummy" and is curious to find her in order to learn more about herself.
The author handles this delicate, often under-represented topic with grace and honesty.
I'll Always Love You
By Mark Sperring
Illustrated by Alison Brown
A tender rhymed bedtime story that talks about a parent's unwavering love through the years and seasons. The book follows a parent and a child as they share quiet moments - they cuddle, they play, they talk to each other. Its rhythm is comforting and will definitely appeal to a child. What makes it even more appealing are the illustrations by Alison Brown. This little picture book is a sweet choice for winding down the day.
Look at the body language of the little one - she is holding her parent's hand and is imagining things!
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