Children’s Book Review: Love By Stacy McAnulty – Books as Gifts

Books make the best gifts. I may be a little biased, but I love giving books as gifts. I think they offer a personal connection. You are either saying, I loved this book and I think you will too. Or, I know you love cats, science, history, etc so I thought this would be a great book for you. It means you have listened to them when they have shared something with you and that you took the time to notice. To see all the posts in this series, click HERE. 

LOVE

By: Stacy McAnulty

Illustrated by: Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

Published: December 4, 2018

Publisher: Running Press Kids

Non-Fiction

There are so many ways to show love and kindness to others. McAnulty continues her BRAVE and BEAUTIFUL books with one that focuses on love and how to share it in the simplest ways. Love can be a fancy dinner, even if it is just for your dog, some artwork for a teacher, sharing a chocolate chip while making cookies, or that first hug with your new baby sister. Love comes in many forms and is shared in many ways throughout our days. This simple book is a wonderful way to teach our youngest children the importance of sharing love and kindness with others and how easy it can be.

The illustrations share a diverse group of children and adults from all races and abilities. There are children with glasses, in wheelchairs, with hair and without. What I loved most about the illustrations though is the joy that is expressed in the faces of both those giving love and receiving it. The love shared by giving of our time or gifts is obvious and is an easy way for kids to begin to understand the importance of empathy and sharing love.

I even loved the illustration of a kitchen. It wasn’t a perfect kitchen. There were lists, school papers, and homemade artwork hanging up. The counter was messy while cooking.  I appreciated the realistic image of a family kitchen which makes the kids able to fit in and see themselves doing some of the activities in the book.

This book is perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day and teaching kids about the importance of kindness and loving each other.

Stacy McAnulty – source

Stacy McAnulty is a children’s book author, who used to be a mechanical engineer, who’s also qualified to be a dog therapist (is that a thing???), a correspondent for The Daily Show (why not), and a Green Bay Packer Coach (totally!). She has written dozens of books for middle-grade readers and younger children.  When not writing, Stacy likes to listen to NPR, bake triple-chocolate cupcakes, and eat triple-chocolate cupcakes. Originally from upstate NY, she now lives in Kernersville, NC with her 3 kids, 3 dogs, and 1 husband. To see all of her books, click HERE.

Joanne Lew-Vriethoff is the award-winning illustrator of BEAUTIFUL and BRAVE and several other books. She lives in Amsterdam with her family. You can see all her books, HERE.

I will be linking up this review on Booking Mama’s regular Saturday feature, Kid Konnection. This is a place for bloggers to share posts related to children’s and YA books. You will find spotlights, reviews, and sometimes even giveaways by clicking HERE, every Saturday.

Check out MR. FUZZBUSTER KNOWS HE’S THE FAVORITE, another wonderful children’s book by Stacy McAnulty, HERE.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this books for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase this book through the above link, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase. Thanks for supporting SincerelyStacie.com.