Three Little Words - Hardcover

Clemency Pearce is the author of eight books, including Frangoline and the Midnight Dream and the Princess Milly chapter book series. She lives in Essex, England, with her toothless Persian cat, Lola.

Rosalind Beardshaw is the illustrator of numerous books for children. She lives in York, England.

PreS—Forest animals in colorful, patterned clothing learn that those who love them can provide needed comfort when they are feeling lonely or discouraged. The story opens with a young raccoon who feels sad and helpless when he is to unable to reach any fruit on the tree. "When you feel so very small,/when no one seems to care at all,/what can make you ten feet tall? 3 little words..."I love you." His basket is now filled with fruit after riding on top of Dad's head. A little red fox is crying because he fell down while racing an adorable badger and a little mouse in a red sweat suit. But three words make him feel better: "I love you!" This kit is now being held up high by Mom and Dad while wearing a gold star on his blue jogging suit. Animals including beavers, rabbits and hedgehogs find themselves in uncomfortable situations but are all soothed by the three key words. The sweet illustrations are as comforting as the rhyming text. The book ends by describing a few difficult situations involving other people, where four little words, not three, are called for: "I love you too!"—Robin Sofge, Alexandria Library, VA