Love Is a Special Way of Feeling

by Joan Walsh Anglund

Available again to celebrate Joan Walsh Anglund's best loved books for children and adults.

Genres: Picture Books, Poetry, Childrens, Love, Fiction, Friendship, Inspirational

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1960

About the author

Joan Walsh Anglund was an American poet and children's book author and illustrator, with more than 120 books that have sold over 50 million copies around the world in 17 languages.

Reviews

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up at my in-laws' house because of its sweet illustrations, and stayed for the charming and meaningful text. Despite what I expected, Love Is a Special Way of Feeling is not a twee book, but introduces young readers to different expressions of love, helping them recognize that love is about our actions toward others as much as it is about others' actions toward ourselves. Joan Walsh Anglund encourages slow living ("Love...is there...when we see a lovely flower that no one else has noticed.") and attention to others. "Or, sometimes, [love] begins because, even without words, we understand how someone feels" accompanies an image of a little girl on the fringe of a group of children, looking toward a boy facing away from the group, considering befriending him.

While the cover and the final illustration focus on a little boy and girl, romantic love between children (blech) is not the point of Love Is a Special Feeling. Love of nature, love of animals, and love between friends and siblings are displayed here. The idea of love is presented at a child's level, too, which is what makes this book so down-to-earth rather than saccharine. "[Love] is the good way we feel when we talk to someone and they want to listen and don't tell us to go away and be quiet." Indeed.

I'll be looking for a copy (or two) to add to my own library. The two-tone illustrations are so charming, and the text really is special. I'll be looking out for more books by Anglund, as well, since I enjoy her illustrations so much.

[Kaethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anglund is one of the sweetest, warmest people on the earth. I don't think love is a special way of feeling for her at all. I think it's her normal mode.

[Ronja · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s absolutely adorable. The picture are incredibly beautiful.

[Lucy (The Countess of) Monte Cristo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the sweetest books I have ever read. I received it a couple of years ago from my grandma, so this book really means a lot to me :)

[Emily Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, simple book. Pretty much felt like the realistic antidote to any sort of negativity I can think of. Illustrations are fantastic also.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is precious.

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really REALLY like the art in this book!

[Jolien ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love little books like these I originally owned the dutch one about friendship but when I was strolling around the antique shop I found this one in the English section, the same as I knew from before. I love these little books they are so precious!

[jamie]

Might’ve been the cutest illustrations I’ve ever seen

[Mar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es un rinconcito precioso al que asomarse para sentir calorcito.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, simple book. Love it!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading this to my 3 year old! The pictures are so cute and it really is a sweet and simple way of talking about love!!!

[Karlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

in our family and passed between my sister and myself forever...the best!!!

[Evie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a very nice book. Perfect for gift-giving to those who adore vintage treasures.

[Pamela Hatch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love Is a Special Way of Feeling / written and illustrated Joan Walsh Anglund -- New York : Harcourt, Brace & World, Inc., c1960. (32 pages)

SUMMARY: The happiness we feel in helping someone who needs us, the delight in watching a bird soar high against a pale blue sky, the joy in being understood - even without words, sometimes - all these are part of the warm and tender feeling everyone, child and grownup alike, may know. (book jacket)

REVIEW: This book reads like an extended Hallmark card. I am partial to this title because it was given to me by a dear friend when I was young. Not sure how it would resonate with young readers of today. The illustration style became one of my favorites and I would pick up anything written by Ms. Anglund just to look at the pictures.

[Alaa Abdul Sattar · Rating 5 out of 5]

دائما ما ازور محلات الأنتيكا و اجد أشياء ثمينة و نادرة ، اكون سعيدة بشرائها و في وقت لاحق بإذن الله سوف اتكلم عن متعة التجول في متاجر الأنتيكا . 📻🧡
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نعود للكتاب كل ما يقال عنه أنهُ في غاية الجمال و البساطة برسومه الدافئة و عباراته الصادقة.💙🧡
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أجمل هدية ممكن أن تهدى و أجمل قطعة أدبية بسيطة ممكن أن توجد في مكتبة المنزل 🧡🏡
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إقتباس 💭🔮 :
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Love is a happy feeling that stays inside your heart for the rest of your life 🧡💭
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When we see a lovely flower that no one else has noticed 🥀🎼

[Dalena Tran]

The illustrations really help paint a picture for the words. Although this is such a short story, the story has a beautiful message. A friend can be anything and anyone you want, and I feel like that is really important and a great message for students especially at a young age who are finding friends and meeting new people.

[Chandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Uncle Matt gave me this book when I was little. It has been part of my bookshelf as long as I can remember. I can’t believe I hadn’t already rated it on here, but it was nice to do the quick little reread to ensure it was 5 stars and that it still gave me the feeling he was hugging me. 💜

[Manda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, little reminder of how simple and everlasting love is- how abundant it is in small everyday occurrences.

[Yesenia Balay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just crushed my heart with all its cuteness!

[Laurie Fieldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming, classic life lessons with gorgeous illustrations.

[Beverlee Jobrack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still own this book from when my mom gave it to me.
"To Jeannie
with love from Mother
Christmas 1961"
It is an incredibly sweet little book. A treasure from my childhood.

[Norabolander · Rating 5 out of 5]

warmed my heart

[Myrthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Joan Walsh Anglund, all that needs to be said :)

[Hera Lind · Rating 4 out of 5]

féll alveg fyrir þessari á bókamarkaði, myndskreytingarnar eru svoo einlægar & sætar !! ætla að lesa hana fyrir kötlu & bjarma um leið & ég kem heim <3

[AL · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small beautiful book , to be read in peace .

[jess☁️]

super cute, super short, insightful here and there. doing this review mostly for Julia

[Reina Williams]

Reminds me of childhood favorites. A sweet book.

[neen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a sleep deprived pre-k teacher this made me sob