From Publishers Weekly
Dubois's effectively unadorned, humor-infused illustrations keep this charming tale, an import from France, from becoming precious. Lola the hamster runs the gamut of facial expressions throughout her rather frustrating day, which begins when she awakens to feel "something special on the tip of her tongue." Preschoolers may or may not put the title together with what Lola has to say, but will likely identify with her indignation that virtually everyone?including her parents, teacher and classmates?is just too preoccupied (or, in the case of "the annoying boy" sitting next to her at school, simply not worthy) to listen to her important message. After spending hours sulking?which Dubois depicts with a comic flair bound to further endear the furry heroine to young readers?Lola finally blurts out her long-suppressed words, which "worked their magic" with her suddenly doting parents. Featuring a relatively small trim size and an appealing price, this is a sweet (but not too) little book about the power of love. Ages 2-6.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 1?Adorable illustrations create the magic for this simple, sweet story of Lola, a hamster, and the day she searches for the right time to say, "I love you." Especially charming pictures show Lola's cheeks puffed out with love as she drags a blanket down the hallway, where (on the next page) she sees her mother and father kiss good-bye. Later, her mother is too busy for special words, and the school bus is too noisy. Lola's growing frustration over her inability to express herself is delightfully drawn. Each picture shows the little creature more and more distraught, until she finally explodes with emotion at dinnertime. Lola's parents respond generously with kisses, and all is well until bedtime when Lola worries whether her special words will be back on her lips in the morning. I Love You So Much deserves a place beside the numerous other books that deal with the expression of family love because this endearing little hamster finds as much satisfaction in declaring love as in hearing it.?Jackie Hechtkopf, Talent House School, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
