Love You Always

In this autumnal ode to unconditional love, two hedgehogs make their way home. As Little Hedgie notices the seasonal changes, he begins to worry that his bond with his mother will alter as well: “Mommy... would you love me MORE... If I changed?” he muses. Sitckley’s gentle rhymes follow the pair’s ramble, using repetition to build a sense of security and warmth. As Little Hedgie ponders whether his mother would love him more if he had other animals’ qualities (squirrels’ agility, dragonflies’ flutters, rabbits’ softness), his mother repeatedly assures him that “I couldn’t love you more.” Blanco’s spreads evoke early fall—the lush nature scenes are accented with bold greens, yellows, and reds—and the creatures are imbued with gentle expressions, creating a comforting tale in the tradition of Guess How Much I Love You. Ages 3–7. [em](Oct.) [/em]