You Are My Heart

“Before you were born/ my heart always knew/ I wanted to be/ a good parent to you.” Richmond is operating well within her wheelhouse in her latest paean to the child-parent bond. The unidentified speaker (different mothers, fathers, and children are featured throughout) describes the many ways that life is enriched through parenthood: “You are my wonder/ seeing life through your eyes,/ where boxes and blankets/ are play in disguise.” Amid scenes of active play and tender cuddling, Richmond’s characteristically naïf watercolors touch on the idea of devotion during (slightly) difficult times—one child tracks mud into the kitchen, another knocks over a vase—but the overall mood is determinedly upbeat. A sweet celebration of unconditional love that may have its strongest appeal with parents. Ages 4–up. (Jan.)