I LOVE YOU ALL THE TIME

Loving affirmation in picture-book form.

An extended poem expresses a caregiver’s unfailing love for a child. After each of the rhyming quatrains is the titular refrain: “I love you all the time.” The illustrations show Micah, a young, biracial boy, being cared for throughout the day by his White mother, Black father, and Black grandmother. He learns how to ride a bike, goes to school, makes messes and cleans them up, plays dress-up and soccer, learns how to write his name, and more. His emotions sometimes get the best of him, but the adults’ support and patient understanding never waver. One scene depicting a tepee as a playtime prop while Micah plays with horses and wears a cowboy hat may give readers pause, but thankfully, there are no stereotypical depictions of Native American people in the text. Helpful backmatter highlights the author’s use of the reassuring reminder—I love you all the time—in her own parenting and provides additional guidance to help make children “feel loved and loveable.” There are many similar children’s books available, but the depiction of a multigenerational, interracial family sets this one apart.

A comforting book about the power of unconditional love that’s instructive for caregivers and young readers alike.