Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly
Even Ichikawa's (the Tanya series) effervescent watercolors can't disguise a rhyming text that is as corny as Kansas in August. The simile-driven format is established on the very first page: "I am your parent; you are my child. I am your quiet place; you are my wild." As the sage teddy bear and the adorable child make their way through the day, the elder bear is always described in terms of wisdom and patience, while the offspring is ebullient and unpredictable (the characters' genders aren't specified). First-time author Cusimano stretches the conceit past the breaking point: for bathtime, she writes, "I am your dry towel; you are my wet bath." At the evening meal, it's "I am your dinner; you are my chocolate cake. I am your bedtime; you are my wide awake." Fortunately, Ichikawa's graceful, full-bleed pictures have none of the text's saccharine qualities. Her views of the teddy bear duo have a sweet, simple pellucidity, instantly communicating all that the reader needs to know about the wonders of loving and being loved. Ages 3-7. (Apr.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
School Library Journal
PreS-The rhythmic and lyrical text of this beautifully illustrated picture book explores the special connections between a parent and child. The opening pages show an adult teddy bear curled up with a baby bear: "I am your parent;/you are my child./I am your quiet place;/you are my wild." The verses that follow describe the activities of a busy day. While they play outside, the grown-up explains, "I am your water wings;/you are my deep./I am your open arms;/you are my running leap." After a bath, dinner, and a favorite story, the poem ends with a quiet moment: "I am your lullaby;/you are my peekaboo./I am your good-night kiss;/you are my/I love you." The soft watercolor illustrations bring the spirit behind the text to light. The joy and movement of running, spinning, splashing, and hugging are all captured in a warm and lighthearted manner, and the baby bear's small toy animals often join in the fun and games. An appealing choice for bedtime sharing.-Genevieve Ceraldi, New York Public Library Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
Newcomer Cusimano's tale is a celebration of the transcendent, loving bonds that exist between a parent and child. In melodic couplets, a father croons a tender lullaby to his child, describing their mutual adoration. Alternately sentimental and comical, the verses focus on the minutiae of a child's daily life: silly games, carrot stick snacks and chocolate desserts, and bedtime stories. The lyrical verses capture the yin and yang of the parent/child relationship; the parent's role provides the security a child craves while the child's part illuminates the joyous freedom that comes from that sense of sanctuary. Cusimano subtly conveys a powerful message about the intimate connection between these two roles; for every way in which the beloved child is the epicenter of the parent's universe, the parent in turn is the steadfast mooring of the child's world. "I am your water wings; / you are my deep. / I am your open arms; / you are my running leap." While the introspective verses are more reflective of an adult's sensibilities, the depth of the emotion expressed will resonate with young readers. Ichikawa's soft pastel watercolors complement the heart-felt verses. Her beguiling artwork features an animated pair of stuffed teddy bears frolicking about, with the little bear's antics perfectly portraying the exuberance and reckless joie de vivre that is part and parcel of a happy, well-loved tot's existence. Warmly reassuring, this tale is ideal for sharing with loved ones, big or small. (Picture book. 3-7)
From the Publisher
"The rhythmic and lyrical text of this beautifully illustrated picture book explores the special connections between a parent and child...The joy and movement of running, spinning, splashing, and hugging are all captured in a warm and lighthearted manner. An appealing choice for bedtime sharing." -School Library Journal
