All We Need Is Love and a Really Soft Pillow!

by Peter H. Reynolds, Henry Rocket Reynolds

A tender and timeless tale about what truly LOVE -- from creative visionary of The Word Collector , Happy Dreamer , and The Dot , #1 New York Times bestseller Peter H. Reynolds! All we need is love. Little And a pillow. Yes, a pillow, but that is all we need. This heartfelt celebration of love follows Poppy and Little One as they discuss all the things they need in life like a really good pillow or a roof over their heads but most important of all, love. Despite the challenges they face as a storm sweeps away their home, this duo never lose their optimism because in the end they know that all they truly need is love . . . and each other. This tender, wholly original tale of all the ways we express and share love, from our most celebrated, bestselling creator Peter H. Reynolds, is a needed comfort and a new classic that will offer reassurance to readers of every age.

Genres: Picture Books, Love, Childrens, Family, Storytime, Juvenile, Fiction

48 pages, Hardcover

Published October 3, 2023

About the author

Peter Hamilton Reynolds is an author and illustrator of children's books and is the co-Founder and CEO of educational media company FableVision.

Reviews

[Bethany (Beautifully Bookish Bethany) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vibrant and adorable, this picture book will probably be a hit. My kids really loved it too. The message is that even if we lose everything else, as long as we have the people we love we're going to be okay. The illustrations are colorful and eye-catching, following two monsters(?) Poppy and Little One as they talk about all the things they need for a good and simple life together, but when a storm blows it all away they still have each other. Definitely recommend this one. I received a copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own.

[Harlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute!!!!

[Amanda Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this in my Scholastic book fair. I wondered if it would be like his Cat Stevens book. So the song, by the Beatles. But instead it's a lesson on essentials: needs vs. wants.

[Wyatt Berndt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute book. We couldn’t leave the store without it.

[wildct2003 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming story

[Penny Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable, fun and full of heart. Great bedtime read aloud. Adorable illustrations.

[Πάνος Τουρλής · Rating 5 out of 5]

Δυο γλυκά πλάσματα, πατέρας και γιος, αρχίζουν να χτίζουν μια ζωή γύρω από διάφορα αντικείμενα και να τα τοποθετούν γύρω τους ώσπου μια καταιγίδα θα φέρει τα πάνω κάτω και θα τους δείξει τη βασικότατη αξία που έχει σημασία για μια ευτυχισμένη ζωή: τους ανθρώπους γύρω μας και την αγάπη. Άντε, και δυο μαλακά μαξιλάρια!

Οι συγγραφείς, πατέρας και γιος, αρχίζουν να χτίζουν από σελίδα σε σελίδα με υλικά αγαθά τη ζωή των δύο πρωταγωνιστών του βιβλίου: ένα μαξιλάρι, μια στέγη, τοίχους, νερό και άλλα αντικείμενα (ναι, και βιβλία). Μου άρεσε πολύ το επαναλαμβανόμενο μοτίβο της αφήγησης (αντικείμενο, μαξιλάρι, αγάπη) που σε κάθε σελίδα προστίθετο κι ένα ακόμη πράγμα, με αποτέλεσμα φτάνοντας στη μέση του βιβλίου να έχουμε μια σειρά από λέξεις που δημιουργούν μια ενδιαφέρουσα αλυσίδα και που ίσως ακονίσουν το μυαλό του μικρού αναγνώστη σε ασκήσεις μνήμης. «Έχουμε όλα όσα χρειαζόμαστε: μια μπανιέρα, μια κατσαρόλα, σοκολάτα…» κλπ. Και τότε ξεσπάει η θύελλα και η ιστορία πηγαίνει σε άλλο επίπεδο, απογυμνώνει τις ανάγκες μας από υλικά αγαθά και επιστρέφει στην αρχή της αφήγησης όπου το μόνο που πραγματικά χρειαζόμαστε είναι αγάπη. Α, κι ένα μαλακό μαξιλάρι!

Η εικονογράφηση των ίδιων των συγγραφέων είναι πανέμορφη και πολύ φωτεινή. Οι πρωταγωνιστές είναι αταύτιστα γλυκά και χαριτωμένα γούνινα πλασματάκια και οι μεγάλες εικόνες βοηθάνε τα παιδιά να εντοπίσουν καλύτερα τις λεπτομέρειες και να απολαύσουν τον τρόπο που ζωντανεύει η ιστορία μπροστά στα μάτια τους. Πατέρας και γιος είναι γλυκύτατες φατσούλες και γεμίζουν με αγάπη τις σελίδες του βιβλίου. Το φόντο δείχνει ένα ασαφές, σχεδόν φουτουριστικό, περιβάλλον, αρκετά αφαιρετικό, οπότε το μάτι του αναγνώστη επικεντρώνεται στην κυρίως δράση, στο σπίτι που χτίζουν σταδιακά οι δυο ήρωες του βιβλίου. Η θύελλα αποτυπώνεται με άφθαστο ρεαλισμό και οι σελίδες γεμίζουν με υπέροχα και ζωηρά χρώματα. Τελικά, όντως χρειαζόμαστε μόνο αγάπη ή και άλλα υλικά αγαθά για να είμαστε ευτυχισμένοι;

Πρώτη δημοσίευση στο site μου: https://www.vivliokritikes.com/%cf%8c...

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

What are some of the things you need to be happy? Is it love? A roof? A cozy bed and pillow? These ideas and more are explored in "All We Need is Love and a Really Soft Pillow", a charming picture book by Peter Reynolds and Henry Rocket Reynolds. Read on for a review of All We Need is Love and a Really Soft Pillow published by Scholastic Books!

Poppy and Little One begin to discuss the things they need in addition to love and a really soft pillow. Little One gives Poppy some suggestions like a roof over their house, chocolate, cooking items, and walls to keep out the bugs. Poppy happily complies, creating a cozy space for him and Little One to live in.

When a storm sweeps most of their belongings away, Poppy comforts Little One with the reminder that despite everything, the storm and their loss, they have each other and that’s the most important thing.

The illustrations in the book play a crucial role in conveying the themes and emotions. The warmth and simplicity of the artwork match the narrative's message about finding happiness in the little things and cherishing the relationships that matter most. The storm scene and the characters' expressions demonstrate the power of love to provide solace and reassurance during challenging moments, adding depth to the overall message of the story.

"All We Need is Love and a Really Soft Pillow" beautifully explores themes of contentment, love, and the significance of the simple things in our lives. The book reminds readers that while material possessions are important, it is the love we share and the meaningful relationships we nurture that truly bring happiness and fulfillment.

The heartwarming journey of Poppy and Little One teaches us that even in the face of loss and adversity, love remains a constant source of comfort and strength. With its delightful storytelling and expressive illustrations, this picture book leaves a lasting impression and imparts valuable life lessons about what truly matters in the pursuit of happiness.

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle

An absolutely adorable picture book about the necessities of life. This is such a sweet book. I absolutely loved it!

Poppy is sure that all he and his child need is love. But Little One keeps suggesting more and more comforts to make their simple life more enjoyable. From a vegetable garden to a chocolate bar to a really soft pillow. Life is going great. But when a storm comes through, will they still have everything they need?

Such a delightful story. Told through engaging repetition, they add on to the list of things they need each time. The artwork is beautiful. Loved the character designs and splashes of color.

A fun read all around with humor and a sweet message. Great for reading aloud and sharing with the ones you love.

[Alizah Kamran]

All we need is love and a really soft pillow it's a great book for elementary readers because it is a picture book it has themes of love, family, and comfort. The book presents hey comfortable story that helps children understand the emotional power of love and the simple joys that are in life. The key themes are empathy, love, and emotional security which are all important in childhood social emotional learning. The story demonstrates how love and the small comforts can really make children feel secure and happy even when they were going through challenging times. This book will be great in the classroom because of the discussions that I can start around emotional well-being and family bonds. The books gentle narrative and call illustrations naked suited for reading with a sense of warmth and safety.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an uncorrected proof from Scholastic.

Peter H. Reynolds and his son, Henry Rocket Reynolds have collaborated on this adorable picture book about a father, Poppy, and his son, Little One, who know what's really important—Love.
Along with a growing list of material things like chocolate, it seems that living simply takes a lot of stuff. But when disaster occurs the one thing that they really do need is love…and a soft pillow 😊
The illustrations are pure Reynolds with their bright and vibrant colors. Like his beloved book The Dot, this story is sure to be a classic and reminder of what is important in life.
This reminded me a lot of a childhood favorite book The King, the Mouse and the Cheese by Nancy Gurney.

[Rayna Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter H. Reynolds and his son, Henry Rocket Reynolds, have written a gem about the things we think we need and what we actually need. Love builds the foundation between guardian and child, and no matter what storms or bumps in the road occur in life it is that love they have to fall back on. The vibrant illustrations welcome readers in like a soft hug. As we journey on with the protagonists we learn the importance of people. This human centered book is a must have for families with your children, families who have lost everything but still have each other, and educators everywhere who are looking to add to their classroom libraries. Thank you Scholastic for an early copy!

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First sentence: Poppy, need anything? Little One, I've got you! We've got LOVE! Love is all we need! Yes, Love and a really soft pillow.

Premise/plot: Poppy and Little One star in the newest book by Reynolds and his son. Is it timeless? Perhaps. Probably. In this one, the two elaborate on all they really need in life....and life does throw some curve balls their direction.

My thoughts: I liked this one. It is hard to separate the text from the illustrations. I didn't personally love, love, love the illustrations. I didn't. They were meh to me--again this is all subjective. The text worked for me. I thought it was a good story. I enjoyed the characters.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter H. Reynolds, author The Dot, Be You, Say Something, Sky Colors, Happy Dreamer and more, has a particular style that is immediately recognizable to readers of children’s books. This one, too, has that special look and clear message amid endearing characters. Poppy and his Little One learn together that things are not as important as the loved ones around one…plus a soft pillow or two! Great collaboration between father and son and an excellent choice for libraries serving PK-grade 3.

Thanks for the arc, Scholastic!

[Jessica Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

All We Need is Love and a Really Soft Pillow! Is one of those books that kids will love from the outset. The adorable characters set in soft hues immediately draw you in. And the bold, graphic text sets the tone for ongoing conversations.

This tender look at love helps little ones understand the basics through art and repetition. Its conversational tone will also make it a book parents and kids can easily read together. The suggested age range for All We Need is Love and a Really Soft Pillow! is 4-8, but I think kids as young as 3 would enjoy sitting with a loved one and reading together.

[Barbra · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a colorful blue fluffy monster named Poppy tells her little one all they need is love, they decide maybe a few more things would be helpful. They start with a pillow and a house with a roof, which leads to water, a toilet, chocolate and a garden. When a storm blows it all away they are sad but realize the one thing they still have is love. A cute story to remind and discuss with little ones what we need and want and what is important in life.

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very cute picture book, but the ending fell down a bit. :(

This very cute, amusing picture book would be a great opening to a discussion about universal human needs and how people actually need a lot of care and support physically to feel loved and safe, and instead it went with a very trite ending about no, just love. Love, like pulling yourself up by the bootstraps, is not really sufficient in all cases. Disappointing, but still cute.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reynold's style in both text and artwork is distinct. The illustrations are vividly colored and detailed enough. The text is a bit less powerful than I've come to expect from his work. However, it is still a lovely story to read as a family. The emphasis on love is powerful and though other things are added throughout the book, the final analysis shows that love is still the only thing they need.

[Keith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I get the message that love is more important than things but tell that to someone who just lost everything they owned in a real storm like a hurricane which is similar to what happens in the book. Maybe I am too materialistic but if your homeless and without basic necessities then the book's message just doesn't work for me. Perhaps I took it too literally but...

[The Book Squirrel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review from a 7 year old:

"A loving and caring story. The characters say all they need is love and a really soft pillow and then kept adding things. But in the end a storm washes all the other things away and they say all they need is love and two soft pillows. I recommend it to everyone because it makes you feel good."

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Reynolds and his son, Henry, have developed an idea that will make kids laugh out loud. The bottom line according to these two “partners in crime” is:
“Each day is a new day. A new chance to count our blessings and savor the journey with those we love.”

[Margaret Boling · Rating 3 out of 5]

12/2/2023 ~ Appealing (dare I say cute) creatures - a papa and child - remind us that pillows, chocolate, etc. are nice. Food, a roof, and somewhere to cook are important. BUT what we really need is love and someone to be with.

[April Surratt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book with a great message. Doesn't captivate little ones too much though, they tend to take it too literal and talk about all the things that you do actually need besides love. Would be good for an author study on Peter H Reynolds.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really cute book about a parent and child who find out that all they really need is love … and a really soft pillow. This book would be great to read around Thanksgiving and could be a great way to discuss the things for which your family is grateful.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was nice. The story starts out with two characters saying all they need is love, but then they keep adding material possessions. What will happen when they lose everything in a storm? Nice pictures, nice story.

[Escape Into Fiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good lesson in needs and wants super cute

[Michele Knott · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet picture book that shows when it comes down to it, our most important need is the love from each other.

[Elizabeth]

This book reminded me of the SNL Christmas skit with Steve Martin, even though that was very different.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little saccharine, but a good message nonetheless. The illustrations are very vibrant, especially for a Peter Reynolds book.

[Marcie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This may be one that moves up after multiple reading.