From Publishers Weekly
A polar bear cub wonders how to measure his mother's love in this enchanting picture book. On a pared-down palette of matte blues and greens reminiscent of the frigid arctic landscape, Kern introduces Polo and his cuddlesome friends, a young reindeer, penguin, seal pup and wolf cub. Each in turn helpfully attempts to describe the expanse of his own mother's love: "My mother loves me with all her wings," says Pinpin the penguin (or "flippers" for the seal, "teeth" for the wolf). For Polo, none of these responses sounds quite right; in a series of tender, double-page embraces between him and his mother, he seeks from her the appropriate answer. "Does that mean you love me with all your fur?" he asks. She assures him that she loves him with that and more. Meanwhile, Kern depicts, in simply detailed illustrations, with visibly textured brushwork, the gradual setting of the sun over the icy horizon; and as the shadows lengthen behind the bear cub's applauding friends, soon Polo slumbers beneath the protective paw of his mother. Kern's playful juxtapositions (at one point, many of the baby animals ride on the wolf's back) and close-up, irresistible hugs are ideally suited to the gentle question-and-answer text. Ages 2-6.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-K?Polo, a young polar bear, is puzzled when a friend tells him that his mother loves him with all her heart. As he heads for home, he asks the pals he meets along the way how their mothers love them. Felix, a seal, says that his mother loves him with all her flippers; Pinpin, a penguin, answers, "with all her wings"; etc. When he arrives home, Polo's mother tells him that she loves him with her fur, with her eyes that shine when she sees him, with her paws when she tickles him, etc. Bordering on precious, this is a warmhearted treatment of how children enjoy being assured of their parents' affections. Originally published in Belgium, the adapted English text is approachable and to the point. The oil paintings are done in cool colors, appropriate to the arctic setting. This title would work well as a storyhour read-aloud; children will enjoy seeing Polo being hugged, tickled, and kissed by his doting mother. Young listeners just may be inspired to seek the same undivided attention after hearing it.?Christine A. Moesch, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, NY
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
