I Love You The Purplest by Barbara M. Joosse illustrated by Mary Whyte

This book is a favorite of our bedtime readings through the years. One of my children was always asking which child I loved the best. This book gave me some great ideas about how answer her. A wise mother in this book teaches her children about the unique and special place they hold in her heart that is all their own. Plus, the setting is a cabin by a lake, a place that is reminiscent and special for me and my children. I hope your family loves this book as much as ours. The beautiful illustrations really make it an excellent choice!

(Click on the book to go to the author's website.)

Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli

Valentine's Day is around the corner! This is one of my favorite books for this holiday.

Mr. Hatch lives a singular, solitary life working at a factory, where his daily routine seems meaningless. One Valentine's Day, he receives a box of chocolates! What a surprise and thrill to find that someone loves him! His belief that he is loved changes the way he lives. For a time, he is extroverted and generous. His life begins to be filled with gladness and love. But it doesn't last. Sadly, the postman returns to say that he misdelivered the box. Mr. Hatch is heartbroken. 

Mr. Hatch feels affirmed in his outlook that he really is unloved and unneeded. What will those around Mr. Hatch do to change this circumstance? 

This wonderful story teaches great lessons about how our outlook on life affects our behavior as well as how the way we reach out to others changes their lives. A GREAT Valentine read!

Illustrated by Paul Yalowitz, whose choice of style and colors fit the mood of Mr. Hatch's life perfectly.  

(New York: Simon and Schuster, 1991)

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