Love Is You & Me

Publishers Weekly

This buoyant board book celebrates the love between an exuberant dog (that starred in Sheehan's Be Happy! A Little Book for a Happy You) and a gray mouse. The loosely outlined animals ride in a car ("When you're around the skies are blue./ It's like being happy! Times two"), sit on a city rooftop watching heart-shaped fireworks, roast marshmallows in the woods, and curl up under the covers at night ("Love is the place... where you always belong"). Sheehan avoids casting her duo in parent-child roles, giving this book added potential as a gift between adults. Ages 2–5. (Dec.)

Children's Literature - Sheilah Egan

The tone is set on the title page where the reader sees a cartoon mouse and dog dancing onto the "stage" of the book, sporting top hats and canes—the minimalistic sketches revealing their delight in entertaining each other as well as the reader. "Love will catch you...when you fall" is the text on one of the double spreads in this paean to love shared. The illustration on that page shows the little mouse character upside-down heading into a heart-shaped trampoline which is being held by two paws—the paws belong to the cartoon dog, the humor as reassuring as the idea that the loving partner will always be there. Sheehan has obviously avoided giving the reader any hint as to the relationship of the two cartoon creatures...could be two friends, could be parent and child, could be just an example of unconditional love between two creatures (even humans!?!). They are sublimely happy sharing a pink frothy drink on the page that says the "Love is sweet." Mouse is perched on the napkin holder for height to reach the second straw. The fun aspect of love is seen as they share a wild roller coaster ride, shrieking joyously together. They are seldom apart but when they are they are careful to stay in touch and the reader sees their telephone "connection." The support they offer each other in times of trouble is a great bond between them. A heart-shaped star constellation is visible on the page that says "Love is the place...where you always belong." Summing up the book with "because Love is you & me" brings the book back to its title, having shared many aspects of what it means to truly share a loving relationship. A perfect gift book for Valentine's Day or any day someone needs to know that love exists. Also a good addition to any library. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan