The Many Ways to Say I Love You

An alligator parent and child serve as guides to different ways to demonstrate feelings of love. Kurjan’s verses sometimes read like they’re searching to complete a rhyme (“A wave goodbye.../ A hug hello.../ There are many ways our love can show,” she begins), but their reassuring message comes through. Parker’s blocky digital illustrations include an array of secondary animal characters: an owl hoots at the moon, and a chef pig and beret-wearing hippo provide international perspective (“ ‘Amore’ in Italy.../ ‘Je t’aime’ in France.../ Love can be expressed through dance”). Aside from a potentially offensive reference to “Eskimo kisses” (performed by a pair of polar bears in parkas), it’s a bright, cozy look at verbal and nonverbal expressions of affection. Up to age 3. [em](BookLife) [/em]