I loved you first

A sweet expression of parental devotion authored by the former first daughters. This charming book, written in simple but rich and warm prose, affirms parents' heartfelt, never-ending love for their children: "I loved you first." And, they assure their adorable offspring from the age of infancy on, they always will, no matter the time, place, or circumstance. Can a child ever hear anything lovelier? The racially/ethnically diverse mothers and fathers depicted in this beautiful book, its illustrations digitally created with watercolor and pencil brushes and richly enhanced with hand-painted textures, are portrayed in vividly colorful locations filled with lush imagery. Everywhere, parents reiterate their steadfastness and promise always to be there and to do things together. The parents also inform their children of the connections between the parent/child unit and the world of nature. In one flower-bedecked scene, a mom tells her young daughter as they make and wear floral headgear, "From honeysuckle and poppies we'll make fragrant flower crowns. You will remind me to smell their sweetness." In a swimming scene, a dad declares, "Jumping into the ocean will take our breath away, like when I held you for the first time. I gasped…because I loved you fiercely, and first." Fittingly, the book concludes with a mom tucking her child into bed, telling her, "And know that I loved you first, and I will love you forever." An affecting offering that will make a much-appreciated gift for baby showers and new parents.(Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.