DID I TELL YOU I LOVE YOU TODAY?

The mother-daughter team behind Salt in His Shoes joins with Evans (The Way a Door Closes ) to follow an African-American mother through a typically busy day, chronicling all the obvious and not-so-apparent ways she expresses her unconditional love. At the breakfast table, Evans portrays a woman smiling but vigilant, who makes sure her children eat a good breakfast: "Keeping you healthy, well, and strong, that is another way/ I take the time to tell you, child, that 'I love you' today." But although the artist pictures three children, one young son in particular is the focus of the mother's attention: most of the action revolves around him, and the book opens and closes with her offering a prayer at his bedside. Sports-savvy youngsters may wonder whether this basketball-loving boy who wears a Tarheel blue T-shirt is inspired by the legendary Michael Jordan, the subject of the co-authors' first book (others may wonder why the two other children in the family don't seem to warrant equal attention). Evans's warmly portrayed characters, generous rounded shapes and velvety, saturated palette will draw readers into the full-bleed spreads, immersing them in the affection and bustle of family life. Yet by putting the mother's experience, efforts and emotions front and center, the book seems more concerned with modeling good parenting than with engaging the imaginations of preschoolers. Ages 3-6. (Dec.)