Title: Guess How Much I Love You
Author: Sam McBratney
First published January 1, 1988
20 pages, Board book
ISBN: 9780763600136 (ISBN10: 076360013X)
Rating: 4.38
Overview
“Tell me, how much do you love me?” asks Little Nutbrown Hare. In response, he stretches his arms out as wide as they can go and hops as far as he can.
But Big Nutbrown Hare can stretch further and hop higher, proving his love is just as strong. Little Nutbrown Hare then declares his love for Big Nutbrown Hare all the way up to the moon, but his love only reaches halfway to Big Nutbrown Hare’s.
Discover the heartwarming tale of a father and son’s boundless love in Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney.
About the Author
Sam McBratney, a native of Northern Ireland, began writing children’s books while he was teaching in his thirties. His goal was to assist students who had difficulty reading.
However, he continued writing for a more personal reason. He said, “the act of imagining simply makes me feel good.” His fifty-seventh book, GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU, was his first book with Candlewick Press and has sold an incredible 15 million copies around the world in 37 languages.
McBratney admits that this is unexpected since most of his books have been remaindered. He compares it to the frog trapped in milk who finds himself walking on cream cheese.
What inspires Sam McBratney to write? “I told my children stories when they were young,” he says, “so when I write I try to think of what they would have liked.” But there may be another influence on his writing as well.
He credits his father, who worked as a type compositor with the BELFAST TELEGRAPH, and whose favourite books were westerns, for instilling a love of the English language in him. McBratney’s picture books, such as GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU, THE DARK AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS, JUST ONE!, and JUST YOU AND ME, explore the relationship between a big one and a wee one.
The author notes that the big one is not referred to as the father in the stories, but that is what he is. Although McBratney’s father passed away before he became a writer, the father in his stories has a voice and a presence that his father would have recognised and understood.
In addition to writing many children’s books, Sam McBratney also wrote radio plays for adults and a prize-winning collection of short stories. He studied history and political science at Trinity College, Dublin, and worked as a teacher for many years.
Editoral Review
“Guess How Much I Love You” by Sam McBratney is a delightful children’s book that was first published on January 1, 1988. The author, Sam McBratney, is a Northern Irish writer who has authored numerous books for children and young adults.
This book is a classic in the children’s genre and is loved by parents and children alike. The book tells the story of two nutbrown hares, a father, and a son, who try to outdo each other in expressing their love towards each other.
The book is set in a beautiful green landscape that perfectly complements the story. The book’s characters are expressive, and the illustrations by Anita Jeram are heartwarming, making it a perfect bedtime storybook.
The book’s strength lies in its simplicity and the unconditional love it portrays. Children can easily relate to the characters and the story, making it an excellent tool to teach children about love and family.
The book’s message is timeless, making it relevant even after more than three decades since its first publication. The only limitation of the book could be that it lacks a complex plot, which might not appeal to older children or adults.
However, for younger children, it is a perfect fit. Overall, “Guess How Much I Love You” is a beautifully written and illustrated children’s book that every child should read.
It is not only enjoyable but also an excellent tool for teaching children about love and family. I would highly recommend this book to parents looking for a heartwarming story to read to their children.
Rating: 4.5/5
Criteria: Simplicity, illustrations, love and family theme.
