This book captures the beauty and innocence of a time past but not forgotten. The illustrations make clear the story being told.

I bought "Sophie and Lou" for my daughter when she was 5. Over the years I have sold most of the books I bought her (she is now 11), but "Sophie and Lou" remains a favorite. The illustrations are great, and the story is especialy appealing for a shy child who would like to join in. As with many children's book, it is appealing to adults as well, and I recently went looking for this book to give to an adult friend who has taken up ballroom dancing.

I can't find my hardcover copy right now, so I hope this gets a reprint...but this is a hilarious book with the serious theme: people (and dogs) change and what was good or at least comfortable for them at some point doesn't always last. Theodor, Mr Balbini's old dog, suddenly is able to talk and he starts to pepper Mr Balbini with demands. Mr Balbini realizes that he misses Theodor, the Theodor who was before. Happily for all involved, a new dog comes into MrBalbini's life, and a new owner for Theodor and everyone ends up happy in the swap. A happy ending for the kids, and truth, but necessarily the sad truth, for adults. The art is lovely and funny at the same time, too.

"Something was wrong with Mommy. She burned the toast. She banged the pots and pans. And she forgot to kiss Daddy good-bye..." Little Robbie and his brother Christopher are worried. Why is Mommy mad? Is it something they did wrong? They can't think of anything they've done to put Mommy in such a bad mood. Maybe she's mad at Daddy. Robbie wants a story and a snuggle and a smile, "but Mommy did not look very soft. Mommy looked prickly. All over" This starts to make Robbie feel cranky, too. Eventually, he finds a way to get Mommy's attention, and out of this prickly situation comes a simple and heartwarming solution to a bad mood..... Lynne Jonell's easy to read text really captures the discomfort little ones feel when they don't understand an adult's sudden mood change. Petra Mathers' childlike illustrations, with their marvelous facial expressions, complement the story with engaging stick-figure artwork, in colorful crayon. Perfect for preschoolers, When Mommy Was Mad should open interesting discussions about bad moods, emotions, and the feelings we all have from time to time and how to cope.

I can't find my hardcover copy right now, so I hope this gets a reprint...but this is a hilarious book with the serious theme: people (and dogs) change and what was good or at least comfortable for them at some point doesn't always last. Theodor, Mr Balbini's old dog, suddenly is able to talk and he starts to pepper Mr Balbini with demands. Mr Balbini realizes that he misses Theodor, the Theodor who was before. Happily for all involved, a new dog comes into MrBalbini's life, and a new owner for Theodor and everyone ends up happy in the swap. A happy ending for the kids, and truth, but necessarily the sad truth, for adults. The art is lovely and funny at the same time, too.

My five year old daughter brought this book home from her school library and we read it over and over again. She loved the rhythm of the language and rhyme in the story. She also seemed drawn to the vibrant illustrations. As a parent, I liked how it incorporated many people of all shades as Spanish dancers. It showed appreciation of a culture is not based on your genetic heritage. It reaffirmed that we all can celebrate life with each other.

Lynne Jones and Petra Mathers have portrayed a wonderful strategy, in this story, where the older child learns how to enjoy his special day and have his brother share in the activities. It is a very cute story. This would be an excellent book to share with an older child who is feeling that their younger sibling is being a pain, or with both siblings to show them how they can get along. I would highly recommend this story as a way to promote role play and family bonding.

Little Love Song is a wonderful book to give to anyone you care about, regardless of gender, age, or relationship. Through beautiful and vivid imagery and lyrics, it shows the simple nature of love. Most wonderful is the ending.