Always

by Ann Stott, Matt Phelan (Illustrator)

Children everywhere will be comforted by this universal tale, in which a young boy is assured that his mother loves him — no matter what he does.

"Do you love me when I finger-paint with toothpaste on the bathroom mirror?"

As he goes through a day, a child asks his mother for reassurance with a series of questions. Does she love him when he's gentle? Does she love him when he's not? Does she love him when he jumps in puddles wearing his new sneakers? Simple, charming, and disarming, Ann Stott's story will resonate with little listeners and adults alike. Matt Phelan's funny, poignant drawings capture the child's behavior, both good and bad, and the mother's unconditional love.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Family

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 12, 2008

About the author

Ann Stott is a children’s book designer and the author of Always, illustrated by Matt Phelan. About Always she says, "It dawned on me one day that I hadn’t tied my son’s sneakers in months. I suddenly realized that there were many things that I no longer had to do for him. He was growing up." Ann Stott lives on the Northshore of Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this sweet story, a little boy seeks assurance this his mother will always love him--no matter what. When he eats his veggies--and when he doesn't. Whether he is clean or dirty, nice or nasty, her love is always there. It's not an especially original concept for a story, but it's a message that many children never tire of hearing and Phelan's wonderful artwork makes this a worthy selection. I love how he captures the sweetness, the mischievousness, the sense of wonder and imagination and wildness and gentleness of this little boy--so refreshing to see a multi-dimensional protagonist in a "boy book." With this as my third book from Phelan's pen, I must say I am now a devoted fan!

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ann Stott has written a sweet little book about a boy who asks "do you love me" when he does various good, and not so good, things.

I love the illustrations, and I'm sure there's a few pages/paragraphs that children will delight over.

Basically this book is a nice reinforcement of a parent's unending love. The book doesn't go into the possible repercussions of not-so-good behavior, but that's not really the point of this book. And, for what the book is meant to do, I think it does it beautifully!

[Cassie Veselovsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminiscent of Alison McGhee’s “Little Boy” and “Someday”, “Love you Forever” by Robert Munsch and even Lisa McCourt’s “I love you, Stinky Face”. A Sweet, little book that will pull at your heart strings and make you think ‘YES! This is what I wanted to say to my child’. So if you can’t get your mouth to form the words, pick up this book, or one of the others and read it to him/her over and over and over.

[Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well-written, simple story about a Mother loving her child no matter what.

[Annie Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet. Love the beautiful art, so full of movement. Love how the child asks the mom if he'll still be loved even when he's misbehaving in all the ways a child does.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet with lovely, simple artwork.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply adorable:)

[Joanne Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always loved this books sweet illustrations and gently reassuring message. A message which gets to a kid's heart and illustrations he can see himself in—you are always loved.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the idea of this book, and the illustrations are adorable. The book is written from the perspective of a little boy. He asks his mom a series of questions to see if she always loves him. The only thing I didn't really like was that she doesn't answer until the very end of the book. That might not matter to an older toddler, but I felt the need to reassure my (very sensitive) 2 year old after every page.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminiscent of Alison McGhee’s “Little Boy” and “Someday”, “Love you Forever” by Robert Munsch and even Lisa McCourt’s “I love you, Stinky Face”. A Sweet, little book that will pull at your heart strings and make you think ‘YES! This is what I wanted to say to my child’. So if you can’t get your mouth to form the words, pick up this book, or one of the others and read it to him/her over and over and over.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really cute book with sweet illustrations. But the story felt like something I had already read multiple times. I did enjoy reading, but I don't think I'm going to go out and buy it anytime soon.

*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2012...

[Drew Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little boy wonders if his mommy will always love him, no matter what, and she is ready to answer.

I get what this book is trying to do, and I really appreciate it, it just didn't resonate with me for whatever reason. I think I was a little put off by the lack of polish on some of the illustrations. It's sweet and everything, I just think other books have done it a little better.

[Terry]

Since I think it is important to continually reaffirm the love we have for our children this book's message is excellent.

To read our full review (complete with the kids' opinions!) go to The Reading Tub®.

[Jacqueline115 · Rating 5 out of 5]

the author is a neighbor of my sister's and i have an autographed copy of this book. i can relate to this on some levels being a mom of boys :) no matter what your child/children do.....you will love them always ....right? :)

[Kathy Ellen Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet little story to reassure a child that you will always love them.
I think this would be a great book to start a discussion too, and I LOVE Matt Phelan's illustrations.

Haiku Review:
Would you love me if
I did not eat my veggies?
Only if I do?

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mother's love is like no other...it is unconditional, unwavering, and everlasting. Always reassures each little one that, yes, we love them, no matter what they do, what they get into, and even when they are exasperating.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love everything this illustrator has done. His artwork is sweet and so innocent, the pictures always give me a warm fuzzy feeling.

[Stella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had been thinking about writing a book to teach kids about grace without being preachy. This one does it. I really wish I had been read this book when I was a kid.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and Simple, beautiful watercolor illustrations

[Jsagat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Demonstrates how much a parent loves a child no matter what he may do--reassuring for child

Possible uses valentines day

[Sarah Kramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute book and not saccharine sweet. The toddlers gave me a good call and response with this one.

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

child wonders if mother loves him through both good behavior and bad. simple and reassuring.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an adorable book reminding kids how Mom's love our kids NO MATTER WHAT they do! Definitely a read-again type book.

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

12/10:
Apparently we need to read this again. I think I'll buy it rather than borrow from the library as we need Toby to understand that we'll always love him...even if he's naughty!

[sheba · Rating 4 out of 5]

another new one that's getting a lot of air time around these parts.

[Class 305 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the book. It's simple yet touching...

[Tina B · Rating 3 out of 5]

do you love me

[Huda Fel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Does a mother love her child while he's on his time out chair?

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every child should have a mother (or other caregiver[s]) who loves them always.