Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
The lyrics to reggae artist Marley's Emmy-winning song, featured in the animated series 3rd & Bird, are presented with Jatkowska's smudgy, jewel-toned illustrations in the musician's first picture book. Three children-black, brown, and white-are seen spending time together and with their parents. A father with spiky, sandy hair shares breakfast with his pigtailed daughter at the kitchen table: "When you tell me that you love me,/ this is what I'm gonna say," writes Marley before a page turn shows the same pair hugging in view of a vibrant green tree where two brightly colored birds are nuzzling: I love you too, I love you too, I love you." Subsequent pages depict the children fully engaged in nature, observing friendly fish underwater, bees buzzing around their hive, love-struck earthworms, and more; seasons pass, too, bringing the birth of a new sibling for one of the children and the arrival of Christmas. The repetitiveness of the chorus makes this book a more satisfying sing-aloud than a read-aloud, but it's a sweetly affectionate ode to togetherness and love all the same. Ages 1-up. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Inspired by a conversation with his three-year-old daughter while making breakfast, Marley wrote a song, the lyrics of which grace the pages of this book. The chorus repeats, "I love you too, I love you too./I tell you, I love you./I love you too, I love you too./I love you." The words and accompanying bright and cheerful illustrations show the various types of love young children have in their lives. The book depicts a multicultural cast of characters, and children will see families like theirs playing in a park, drawing pictures with friends, and decorating the Christmas tree. Sure to be a hit at bedtime, the lyrical story conveys the sweet, soothing, and affirming message.-Sarah Polace, Cuyahoga Public Library System, OH (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Marley sets his song of the same name to a picture book text. Kid-friendly similes ("I love you... / Like the fish loves the sea... / Like a lizard loves to climb, up into a tree") and cheery illustrations showing a cast of loving family and friends (of different ethnicities) add appeal even as the refrain grows repetitive. (c) Copyright 2014. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
