I Love... [Paperback]

Minne (Author), Natali Fortier (Illustrator)

Book Description

A catalog lf life's simpler pleasures, beautifully illustrated I Love... captures the essence of childhood.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4–"I love it when I stand in the water and the tide goes out, and it moves the sand under my feet and swirls around them." Full of simple yet vivid descriptions, this long picture book is a collection of moments, impressions, and thoughts. The overall tone evokes feelings of warmth, humor, and dreaminess. Whether the perspective is that of one child's or several is unclear, but the fact that it doesn't matter is one of the book's strengths. It shows that what's universal is often most personal: the sound of raindrops on an umbrella, the satisfaction of picking a scab off one's knee, the comfort of family jokes that only get better with repetition. The sketchy, faux-naive pictures in soft, earthy colors are just right. Text and art are surrounded by abundant white space for an accessible, open look. This French import could be a discussion starter or a springboard for creative writing. Even though it's a bit quirky and possibly not to everyone's taste, those who love it will simply love it!–Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL
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Review

A Valentine for all ages, all year round, this lovely volume encases poetic prose and accomplished artwork... -- Publishers Weekly, January 31, 2005 (Starred Review)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Publishers (February 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1929132751
• ISBN-13: 978-1929132751
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 5.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #592,025 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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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 Adorable, funny, enjoyable for both children and adults, March 30, 2006

By 

christinemm - The Thinking Mother (Houston Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: I Love... (Paperback)

"I Love..." by Minnie is an adorable 124 page book. Nearly every two page spread features text explaining something that the author loves and the opposite page is a full color painted illustration. The writing is from the perspective of a girl and many of the illustrations picture an adorable little girl who looks to be eight or nine years old.

I first read this book cover to cover, in one sitting, and enjoyed every minute of it. We are reading the `simple pleasures' and the innocent, timeless, little things that the author is grateful for having experienced in her girlhood.

A unique thing about this book is the way that the author was able to transport me into the mind of a child, so that even I was able to imagine the happiness she feels about her appreciation and joy for these things.

I read the book aloud to my two boys (aged 5 and 8) and was unsure how they would respond to the book. They first commented that it was a long book, and asked if I planned to read the whole thing to them, but then later they both begged me to not stop reading it, so we read it straight though to the end in one sitting. They were laughing out loud at some of the favorite things, and they agreed that they also loved some of these same things.

Upon the second reading I noticed that the book includes references that make it clear that she loves her brother, her mother and father and her grandparents. The little girl's world is not an isolated little bubble, but one that includes family, extended family, school mates, and friends. I am also struck by the timeless nature of these things, and many modern notions are missing from the book (television, music, and cell phones). The little girl has a close and loving relationship with her mother. I am sure that little girls would love to own this book and they'd love to have their mother read it aloud to them.

I feel this book is also a good read for adults, it would make a nice gift book for someone who likes to celebrate simple pleasures and gratitude for the little things that make life enjoyable.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of writing a review of it on my blog. This review is a shortened version of my original review as it appears on my blog.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An instant classic!, October 27, 2005

By 

S. W. Hsu (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: I Love... (Paperback)

As a writer and illustrator for children myself, I appreciate the universal-specifics that are in "I Love..." From digging snow tunnels to school on a "practically summer" day to a favorite stuffed bunny that smells like "apples, licorice, soap, roses, Mama's perfume, soup, rice, toast, wax, wet dog, and especially, my warm, cozy bed" this little gem is packed with wonderful, visual descriptions and charming illustrations.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book, June 29, 2005

By 

Fernie (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I Love... (Paperback)

beautiful illustrations and charming text. my 3-year old friend loves it too.