MOMMY, DO YOU LOVE ME?

Yet another entry in the how-much-do-you-love-me genre with a helpful addition toward the end. The sweet story of the chick questioning his mom about how far her love will go (if I’ve lost a race, if I’ve gotten dirty, etc.) has the usual elements of this picture-book genre. The ending does add to the pantheon by having the chick act out enough that his mother gets frustrated and yells at him. Frightened, he runs and hides. His mommy finds him and they question each other about the extent of their love for each other. Chick talks about how he sometimes gets angry with his mom but still loves her. Fearnley’s watercolor-and-ink illustrations are colorful, funny and convey a sense of forward momentum and all-encompassing affection. The themes of love and forgiveness aided by the lovely illustrations help this addition rise to the top of the genre. (Picture book. 3-5)