cover image I Love You Like

I Love You Like

Lisa Swerling and Ralph Lazar. Chronicle, $9.95 (60p) ISBN 978-1-79721-007-0

In this gift book with a small trim size, Swerling and Lazar offer examples of playful, rhymed pairings that serve as expressions of love: “I love you like a cat loves the sun,// like kids love fun,// and like a puppy loves to run.” Nestling between the lines, humorous spot art features anthropomorphized plants, animals, and objects alongside stick-limbed people with varied skin tones. In one spread, a child seeking to hug a cactus looks relieved when given a blue stuffed rabbit (“I love you like a cuddle loves// a bunny”). The blend of sweet, sentimental, and funny assures appeal for those wanting to share something special with friends, family, or valentines. All ages. (Nov.)