Synopsis: What is love? In this lyrical and poetic picture book Sam Williams explores the meaning of love, what we understand it to be and how many different things it can be.

Review:The text is minimal and simple, allowing the reader the opportunity to look at the pictures and use their imagination to embellish the words. Williams takes the reader on a journey through the natural world surrounding us, from the leaves on the tress to the clouds and the breeze, the air and the sea. There are shapes, colours, time, counting and singing too but all of these things are in some way physical or tactile. Love, Williams explains cannot be named, it is not as physical as a colour or place, rather it is a feeling or an action and above all it is caring.

 Williams’ story is both touching and revealing, it has been carefully and gently illustrated and provides a starting point for young children to explore the meaning not only of love, but of caring and sharing. It also encourages the reader to think about people and the world around them and how that needs love too. There are many messages in this book, which can be explored by adults reading the book with children and by children reading the story alone.

 A great book to share time and again and to enjoy for its lyrical voice and simple illustration.

2007-06-18