Top critical review
2.0 out of 5 starsGuilty theme
Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2017
Warning: personal perspective offered here, you may disagree. I really like most of this book, but I really dislike something about it that I've seen in other kids' books enough to merit the 2 star rating. This is one of those books that seem to be written to resonate with parents' emotions and not childrens'. If you like "Love You Forever" then this will probably not bother you, and you will enjoy the beautiful art and sweet prose. But if you're like me, and prefer to avoid text that appeals to parents but can provoke guilt in a child, then avoid this book. Here is a typical example: "And you belong where you love to be, and after each day is through, you will always belong right next to me and I'll belong next to you." Really? While I can see why this is an appealing image for a parent who wants nothing more than to stop time and snuggle with their child, I prefer books that offer love and sweetness and instill confidence from a child's perspective; a child's job, after all, is to differentiate themselves as individuals in all kinds of ways. And yes, they need to feel loved and confident that their parents will be there for them, but when this love is portrayed in the context of how much a parent needs from the child (like belonging by their side), I feel it sends a complicated message. Anyway, that's my perspective.
