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"Mommy, just how much do you love me?" a little boy asked his mother in the beginning I love you more, by Laura Duksta and Karen Keesler. Well, that is in the beginning of one side of the book, however, on the flip side this line is in the beginning, "A mother turned to her son and asked "So, just how much do you love me?"

The reason for two different beginnings is because the book is a flip-sided book. Mother and son's perspective and declarations of their love for each other begin on opposite sides of the book, their stories ending in the middle on a beautiful double page spread illustration of the globe, with this passage around it- "I love you more than anything in the world."

The illustrations are bold and alive detailing the individual characters down to the birds and trees Laura Duksta metaphorically uses to represent their devotion to each other. The sing song rhythm of the verse sets a warm and happy atmosphere, drawing the reader into a mother and child's warm reassuring routine. A routine that perhaps parents, grandparents and caregivers everywhere will emulate with the children in their lives. Illustrator Karen Keesler and author Laura Duksta work beautifully together blending text and illustration into a warm and inviting tale. A story that reminds us how important it is to love each other and how to tell each other that we care in a positive way.

For example, it's one thing for a boy to say, "I love you Mommy" but when he also says, "I love you quieter than the quietest caterpillar ever seen." it's another. On the other hand, (or flip side) the same can be said for Momma. Because it's one thing for a momma to say "I love you son." but when she also says, "I love you prettier than the prettiest flower ever found." it's another.

This is a fantastic children's picture book with as much to teach grown-ups as children. A real find, a great read, and a must have for all parents, grandparents, caretakers, friends, ...

Because love comes with different stories told from different perspectives ending with each other in the same place...

My hats off to Laura Duksta and Karen Keesler and Sourcebooks for sending me a review copy to review for my readers. I loved it!