Always [Hardcover]

Ann Stott (Author), Matt Phelan (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 12, 2008 | Age Level: 2 and up

Children everywhere will be comforted by this universal tale, in which a young boy is assured that his mother loves him — no matter what he does.

"Do you love me when I finger-paint with toothpaste on the bathroom mirror?"

As he goes through a day, a child asks his mother for reassurance with a series of questions. Does she love him when he's gentle? Does she love him when he's not? Does she love him when he jumps in puddles wearing his new sneakers? Simple, charming, and disarming, Ann Stott's story will resonate with little listeners and adults alike. Matt Phelan's funny, poignant drawings capture the child's behavior, both good and bad, and the mother's unconditional love.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreS—A sweet, understated story. In minimal yet well-structured text, a child asks, "Do you love me?" Even, he wonders, if he's not gentle? What about, he asks, if "I jump in puddles wearing my new sneakers?" The protagonist, a boy with a thatch of red hair, pinhole eyes, and an earnest yet worried expression, perfectly captures the universality of this question. Phelan's illustrations bring this quiet text to exuberant life with pastel watercolors as the child and his dog leap, jump, and make mischief throughout the white space on which they exist. The perfectly timed text, with questions one after the other, listing all the possibilities this boy can imagine, ends of course with the perfect answer. "No matter what you do…I'll always love you." There are other books with this theme, including Jeanne Willis's Mommy Do You Love Me? (Candlewick, 2008) and Debi Gliori's No Matter What (Harcourt, 1999). Both of these titles feature animal characters and have more text. Use this wonderful book in toddler storytimes, but make sure you get extra copies—there will be a big demand.—Jane Marino, Bronxville Public Library, NY
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About the Author

Ann Stott is a children's book designer. She says that this book, her first, was inspired by questions her own son has asked her. She lives in Newburyport, Massachusetts.

Matt Phelan has worked in the film industry and illustrated a number of books for children, including the Newbery Medal winner THE HIGHER POWER OF LUCKY, THE SEVEN WONDERS OF SASSAFRAS SPRINGS, and THE NEW GIRL . . . AND ME. He lives in Philadelphia.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 2 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (August 12, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763632325
• ISBN-13: 978-0763632328
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 0.4 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #352,489 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #23 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Drugs

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Add this to your collection!, August 15, 2008

By 

E. LeBlanc "Elizabeth" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Always (Hardcover)

This book is adorable and is filled with scenes any parent and child can relate to. All children should have this in their collection! Ann Stott should write more books.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FIRR-Kids! Review, November 11, 2008

By 

www.firrkids.com - See all my reviews

This review is from: Always (Hardcover)

This is a simple book with the sweetest message. A little boy questions the specifics of his mother's love. Do you love me when I remember to feed my hamster? Do you love me when I don't? Do you love me when I'm in my time-out chair? Oh, the mind of a child - you can practically seen the wheels turning.

The font and illustrations set the tone of this book perfectly. Even on his worst behavior, this little guy looks so lovable. He's disheveled and a bit dirty, he's terrorizing the dog, not following directions and wearing unders over his pants. The illustrations also offer a subtle humor - notably the dog's antics and facial expressions on nearly every page.

The boy's mom may be exasperated, but she loves him with all her heart. What a great book to show your child you love them equally when they are on their best behavior and at their naughtiest. This also serves as a good reminder for adults that kids need to be reassured that mom and dad will love them no matter what.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have, August 29, 2008

By 

nancy danforth - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Always (Hardcover)

A very special book!!!! It makes you remember why we had our little ones. A great addition for your childs collection! Cant wait for the next.