Book Review #22

Love You Forever

Author: Robert Munsch  
Illustrator: Sheila McGraw  
Publisher: Firefly Books, 1995  
ISBN: 978-0920668368    

Reading Level: 4 and up

Main Characters: A baby boy and his mother. 

Plot: The plot is a simple story of a mother's love for her son. 

Settings: The home of the mother and later in the story the home of the son.

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Picture Book. A simple story but with a lot of emotions. 

 5 Roars!🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Critical Analysis: This book has a lot of mixed reviews. I personally loved it. I do not think it was ever meant to be read as a literal interpretation, but more of an allegory, or a spiritual journey. 

The mother experiences a deep, forever love for her child. The child eventually returns the love his mother has given him and becomes a caring human being because of her unconditional love for him. 

Are there unusual parts in this story? Yes, but again, I never thought it was meant to be taken literally, and I explained that to my children before I read it to them. I think the parts that are meant to be understood come across easily, even for kids.  

"There is a powerful, age-old resonance to the story, centered on that intangible, steadfast bond between mother and child." 

~~ Shelley Fralic, National Post 

"I have yet to read this book through without crying. It says so much about the circle of life, youth, parenting, and our responsibility for our parents as we grow older. The message is so simple yet so profound. Love You Forever is a great gift for anyone with a child, or even for your own parents."

~~ Maria Shriver

Why 5 Roars? When I read this book, I get a little choked up every time.

Acknowledgements: Based on a 2007 online poll, it was listed on the Teacher's Top 100 Books for Children list. 

    

Connections: 

The Story Behind the Book