I Loved You First

by Jenna Bush Hager, Barbara Pierce Bush, Ramona Kaulitzki (illustrator)

Celebrate the bond between parent and child in this lyrical story by former first daughters and #1 New York Times bestselling authors of Sisters First Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush.

There is nothing more important than the time we spend together, learning to see the world through each other’s eyes. From counting constellations to imagining shapes in fluffy clouds to hiking great canyons or jumping into the ocean, the special moments between a mother or father and their child are some of the most memorable and precious in our lives.

Inspired by the majesty of nature all around us, I Loved You First is an expansive and gently whimsical celebration of parental love and a companion to Jenna and Barbara’s New York Times bestselling children's books Sisters First and Love Comes First.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published March 25, 2025

About the author

Jenna Bush Hager is a co-host on NBC’s TODAY Show and an editor-at-large for Southern Living magazine. She is the author of the New York Times bestseller Ana’s Story: A Journey of Hope, written after she served as an intern with UNICEF in Latin America. She also co-authored the children’s books Our Great Big Backyard and Read All About It! with her mother. She lives with her husband and two daughters in New York.

In March 2019, she started the #ReadWithJenna Book Club. Our current book is "The School for Good Mothers" by Jessamine Chan. Click here to get your copy and join us today!

Looking for all of Jenna's book club picks? Find them here!

Reviews

[Margaret Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful little story with a wonderful message and gorgeous illustrations. I received this book and met the authors at their launch event, which was amazing.

[TheRetiredSchoolLibrarian |Mrs. Ferraris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: This book is a heartfelt expression of the unconditional love a parent feels for their child as soon as they hold their child and spend time with them as they grow up.

Comments: The illustrations were created using hand-painted textures and digital watercolor, and pencil brushes in Photoshop.

Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third in the Bush sisters series.
A tender story affirming that parents will always love their children and encourage them to grow, learn and explore. Readers see illustrations of a variety of parents with their children; they will identify with at least some of the scenarios.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is rinse and repeat of every single I Love You No Matter What story. And yes this one has very pretty artwork and all. I just feel like there are other books out there that have been artwork and that tell this story better.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would recommend. Not a storytime book, but a sweet book to give new parents or for a birthday from parents.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 7 year old said the pictures are too perfect. 😂

[Calla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calla didn't really appreciate this book, but I did! So sweet!

[Robin Berman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Describes the love of a mother for her child. 💕