I Love You So Much

Dubois's effectively unadorned, humor-infused illustrations keep this charming tale, an import from France, from becoming precious. Lola the hamster runs the gamut of facial expressions throughout her rather frustrating day, which begins when she awakens to feel ""something special on the tip of her tongue."" Preschoolers may or may not put the title together with what Lola has to say, but will likely identify with her indignation that virtually everyone--including her parents, teacher and classmates--is just too preoccupied (or, in the case of ""the annoying boy"" sitting next to her at school, simply not worthy) to listen to her important message. After spending hours sulking--which Dubois depicts with a comic flair bound to further endear the furry heroine to young readers--Lola finally blurts out her long-suppressed words, which ""worked their magic"" with her suddenly doting parents. Featuring a relatively small trim size and an appealing price, this is a sweet (but not too) little book about the power of love. Ages 2-6. (Feb.)