You Are My I Love You [Hardcover]

Maryann Cusimano (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 2 and up

I am your parent; you are my child.
I am your quiet place; you are my wild. . . .

A day in the life of parent and child-full of smiles and giggles, messes and meals, boundless energy and well-earned naps. Not to mention lots of love.

Illustrated by Satomi Ichikawa

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Even Ichikawa's (the Tanya series) effervescent watercolors can't disguise a rhyming text that is as corny as Kansas in August. The simile-driven format is established on the very first page: "I am your parent; you are my child. I am your quiet place; you are my wild." As the sage teddy bear and the adorable child make their way through the day, the elder bear is always described in terms of wisdom and patience, while the offspring is ebullient and unpredictable (the characters' genders aren't specified). First-time author Cusimano stretches the conceit past the breaking point: for bathtime, she writes, "I am your dry towel; you are my wet bath." At the evening meal, it's "I am your dinner; you are my chocolate cake. I am your bedtime; you are my wide awake." Fortunately, Ichikawa's graceful, full-bleed pictures have none of the text's saccharine qualities. Her views of the teddy bear duo have a sweet, simple pellucidity, instantly communicating all that the reader needs to know about the wonders of loving and being loved. Ages 3-7.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreS-The rhythmic and lyrical text of this beautifully illustrated picture book explores the special connections between a parent and child. The opening pages show an adult teddy bear curled up with a baby bear: "I am your parent;/you are my child./I am your quiet place;/you are my wild." The verses that follow describe the activities of a busy day. While they play outside, the grown-up explains, "I am your water wings;/you are my deep./I am your open arms;/you are my running leap." After a bath, dinner, and a favorite story, the poem ends with a quiet moment: "I am your lullaby;/you are my peekaboo./I am your good-night kiss;/you are my/I love you." The soft watercolor illustrations bring the spirit behind the text to light. The joy and movement of running, spinning, splashing, and hugging are all captured in a warm and lighthearted manner, and the baby bear's small toy animals often join in the fun and games. An appealing choice for bedtime sharing.-Genevieve Ceraldi, New York Public Library

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 2 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Philomel (April 2, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 039923392X
• ISBN-13: 978-0399233920
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (137 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #21,862 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #86 in Books > Children's Books > Animals > Bears
  • #91 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Family Life > Parents

More About the Author

Maryann Cusimano Love is an associate professor of politics at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. where she teaches graduate and undergraduate courses on international relations and US foreign policy. Cusimano Love also teaches courses at the Pentagon.
The author serves on several boards and committees: The U.S. Catholic Bishops' International Justice and Peace Committee, where she advises the bishops on international affairs and U.S. foreign policy, and engages in advocacy with the U.S. Government on international issues of concern to the Catholic Church. The Advisory Board of the Catholic Peacebuilding Network with Notre Dame University's Kroc Institute of Peace, a network of academics and practitioners from around the world that seeks to enhance the study and practice of peacebuilding. The board and Advocacy Committee of Jesuit Refugee Services, an international refugee relief and advocacy group active in over 50 countries, with a mission to accompany, serve and defend the rights of refugees and forcibly displaced people.
Cusimano Love is also a columnist for the magazine "America," and has served as a member of the Council on Foreign Relations project on homeland security, and as a participant in the Religion and Foreign Policy Initiative.
She holds a B.A. from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, an M.A. from the University of Texas, and a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University.
The author lives on the Chesapeake Bay outside of Washington, DC, with her husband Richard and three children, Maria, Ricky, and Ava, who inspire her best-selling children's books.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't Believe the Editor's Review!, November 22, 2001

By 

Amy C. Simmonds - See all my reviews

This review is from: You Are My I Love You (Hardcover)

I've been moved to write my own review so others can read this instead of the surprisingly negative editor's review on this wonderful book. I am a new mother and have a 5 month old daughter. As I stood in the book store flipping through each page, I could not hold back some little tears. Yes, some of the rymn does not work 'perfectly', but it doesn't matter. The pictures are wonderful, and it sums up some very deep emotions with very simple words. I now know what other mothers meant when they used to tell me, 'You just can't describe the love you feel for your child...there is nothing else in the world like it..' Now I know. I bought this book so I can read it to my baby now and for the rest of her life! A little dramatic, I know, but this book deserves a better review. Enjoy this book with your little one too.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Touching words and lovely illustrations, August 27, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: You Are My I Love You (Hardcover)

I bought this book for my daughter's second birthday, and as I stood in the bookstore thumbing through it, I cried. No other children's book, even classics like "Guess How Much I Love You" adequately expresses the loving relationship I have with my children, especially with my daughter, whom I almost lost at birth. "I am your water wings, you are my deep" touched me more than I can adequately convey. I,too, was disappointed with the "Publisher's Weekly" review, as everyone I have shown the book to has had the same reaction: tears of genuine emotion. The illustrations, of course, are just as touching. For the young children who will read this book, or have it read to them, nothing can be more comforting than the solid reassurance of a parent's love. "You are My I Love You" is a perfect gift.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The sweetest!, March 31, 2005

By 

Benjamin Hamann - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: You Are My I Love You (Hardcover)

The first time I read this book I cried in the middle of the book store. I bought it for my two year old daughter. It took me reading it at least fifteen more times before I could get through it with out choking up. The words may be "corny", but isn't that how we feel about our little ones. The book describes my deepest feelings in words my daughter can understand. I love reading it to her.