Scholastic Press, New York, 1999.
Boardbook edition, 15 pages, ISBN 0-439-13746-2.
Tafuri creates a comforting litany of motherhood in the context of the natural world. A young deer, duck, rabbit, mouse, bear, owl and human child, each ask, "Do you love me, Mama?" The mother replies, "Yes, little one, I love you as.... the river, the pond, the earth, the wild rye, the mountain, the oak tree, the stars love you." She goes on to describe her love in terms of the nurturing elements of the home environment which surrounds them, and concludes with the refrain, "forever, and ever, and always." The soothing colors and close-up detail of the drawings create a safe and intimate feel to each venue.
The boardbook format is best used between a child and parent or caregiver. Although any time is a good time to reassure children that they are loved, relaxing before bedtime is particularly appropriate.
As with any book, children develop print awareness from following the left to right reading and page turning sequence. The repetitive refrain makes it easy for children to memorize and follow along. They begin to develop letter knowledge in following the text from words which they have memorized.
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