I Love You, Little One

In this board book with textural elements from the duo behind Good Night Farm, animal parents assure their children of how much they are loved: “Perched up high among the leaves,/ bird begins to sing/ a happy song to baby chick,/ snug beneath her wing./ As tall as the trees, whatever the weather,/ I love you forever and ever.” Elliott’s soothing, smudgy artwork dovetails nicely with the lullabylike cadence of Hegarty’s verse, and various embellishments allow readers to feel an elephant’s leathery skin, rabbit’s fluffy tail, lion’s furry head, and turtle’s embossed shell, among other animal encounters. The gentle interactivity and soothing tone make this a fine pick for bedtime reading. Ages 2–5. (Mar.)