As every parent knows, there is nothing more stressful than being away from a child even if it's only for a few days. In this heartwarming book, Wendy Tugwood captures perfectly how the love between a mother and child copes with separation.

When we're apart I miss you so
I wish I didn't have to go
I miss your face, your touch, your smell,
Your silliness I know so well.

I think of how you sing to me,
"I love you too... I love you three!"
On goes our love and counting game
A game that always ends the same.

Needing to express how much they love each other, parent and child play the old familiar counting game. The child says "I love you," the parent replies "I love you too," and the child, gleefully, replies "I love you three!" From there they continue counting until they reach "I love you ten."

I Love You Too, I Love You Three will delight parents and children alike and children will not only learn their numbers, they will gain assurance that, no matter what happens, the parent's love, like the counting game, will never end.

Written by Wendy Tugwood ; Illustrations by Sheila McGraw

Wendy Tugwood's profile page

Sheila McGraw is author of Painting and Decorating Furniture, Papier Mâché Today, Papier Mâché for Kids, Dolls Kids Can Make, and Soft Toys to Sew. She is the illustrator of the best-selling children's books Love You Forever, and Lightning Bug Thunder as well as author/illustrator of Pussycats Everywhere.

Sheila McGraw's profile page

An expression of love ritual established between a mom and her child in this heart-warming book defines the bond between mother and child. A delightful portrayal of everyday activities shared by mother and child, told in rhyme creates a counting chant that has become a daily event between them. The colourful illustrations accompanying the verse are whimsical and show the spirit of a happy child in the company of her loving parent. A deep, emotional bond exists that transmits to both adult and child audiences. An excellent, highly recommended book for shared reading between parents and children. This is also a wonderful story to begin class discussion of special moments with adults in their lives. The characters can easily translate into other adults who may be care givers to children.

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Most parents agree that creating a familiar pattern at bedtime can be very effective in transitioning a little one to accept bedtime. But it can also provide reassurance when plans have to change. No indication is given regarding why or how long this mother will be separated from the child. But what seems to matter is the comfort provided by the familiar counting game and the fact that the two participants cherish the routine. The effective repetition of the rhyme will have little ones memorizing the delightful poem in no time. The softly hued, yet expressive, illustrations complement the text. In my opinion, there can never enough books that express love between a child and a parent. This is especially important if a parent needs to be away. Recommended.

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

The narrator mother savors the ritual she shares with her little one. The rhyme itself is a charming, escalating expression of love, and when it reaches 10, it directs the players to 'go back and start at one, again' ... McGraw's softly hued, slightly fuzzy illustrations add dimension to the tale. When mother's face is seen, she has a gentle, loving smile for her child, hiding the feelings she expresses in the verse. The little one is seen as wholly joyous and exuberant, loving every moment of the bedtime experiences.

Kirkus

Children need to count on their parents and this counting book plays on that notion as well as the feelings associated when they are separated. In this heartwarming book, a counting game plays on the love between a mother and child and reinforces that love will never end even when they love them 10.

City Parent Toronto