This story is about a mother's love for her son who rocks and sings a song to him every night after he goes to sleep. From the time he was a baby, she would come to him when he was already asleep, lift him up, and rock and sing to him the same song. The story advances through the son's life, and in the end he returns his mother's love by rocking her in her old age. When his baby girl is born, he passes on the song to her.
Munsch, R. (1995). Love You Forever. Ontario, Canada. Firefly books, Ltd.
Personal Impressions of Love You Forever
This book has controversy surrounding it. Some adore the illustration of a mother's devotion, while others criticize her ability to convey her love to her son while he is awake. Over-analysis of this story causes many assumptions of the author's intentions. Instead, think of the book's theme as addressing a mother's love of her child and personal feelings that he is always her baby. It is a sweet story not to be taken literally. Children will think it is funny that a grown man is rocked to sleep by his mother who loves him and know this does not really happen. Meant to be a tear-jerker, the author is trying to put into words with the help of the illustrator a picture of a mother's love and what it means to her son. For the conclusion of the story, he reciprocates his love back to his mother in her old age and continues the tradition with his newborn daughter. This demonstration at the end of the book shows that he was aware of his mother's love and actions.
Reviews of Love You Forever
"First published in 1986, this classic book by Munsch is a gentle affirmation of the love a parent feels for their child--forever. McGraw's soft and colorful pastels perfectly complement the sentiment of the book--one that will be read repeatedly for years."
Retrieved from Books in Print and retrieved on August 29, 2010.
"I'll love you forever / I'll like you for always / As long as I'm living / My baby you'll be." Since Love You Forever was first published in 1986, millions of parents have lulled their children to sleep with these affectionate words. This picture book will widen the influence of this soothing message.
Review from Barnes & Noble and retrieved on September 6, 2010.
Suggestions for Use in a Library
This would be a great story telling book. Have the children sing along with you for the song. Include a craft that shows the cycle of life; baby, child, teen, man, elderly, and back to baby to start the cycle again.
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