Mama, Do You Love Me? Board Book by Barbara M. Joosse, Barbara Lavallee (Illustrator)

From the Publisher

This beloved story of a child testing the limits of her independence, and a mother who reassuringly proves that a parent s love is unconditional and everlasting is a perfect first book for toddlers.

Publishers Weekly

A decade ago, PW called Barbara Joosse's Mama, Do You Love Me?, illus. by Barbara Lavallee, "a striking volume which uses a timeless culture to convey a timeless message." Chronicle celebrates the book's success with a 10th anniversary commemorative edition that includes a fabric jacket and a limited edition print of mother and child. (Sept.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Children's Literature

The mother in this book portrays healthy unconditional love and acceptance and the bond she has with her child is respectful, honest and reassuring. Although it has an Arctic setting, it shows an appreciation for both the differences of culture and the universality of mother's love. The colors are vivid, the range of emotions broad, the wordplay rhythmic and the message honest. When Dear One, the child, asks "What if I put salmon in your parka, ermine in your mittens, and lemmings in your mukluks?" her mother answers: "Then I would be angry...but still I would love you." This repeated question-answer format shows a typical, playful, and fully conscious dialogue of love between a child and mother.

Children's Literature

This book is set in the Arctic and is a love story between an Inuit mother and child. Mama tells her little one just how much she is loved by comparing her to the animals who love things dear to them. "I love you more than...the dog loves his tail, more than the whale loves his spout." The vibrant watercolor paintings of images of animals and patterns common in the far north are stunning. An excellent glossary of all the animals mentioned is included. A terrific gift book.

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