WHO DO YOU LOVE?

Waddell’s latest is a bedtime love tease that neatly abstains from the competitiveness and maneuvering that can mar the how- much-do-you-love genre. In this case, a cat and her kitten engage in a well-worn, getting-ready-for-bed joust. Holly, the kitten, asks Mama to ask her, “Who do you love?” Mama obliges and Holly rattles through a list that includes grandmother and grandfather, brother, and father, along with the reasons she loves them. Then comes the part of the game Holly likes best: “ ‘Who else do you love?’ asked Mama. ‘I think that’s everyone now,’ Holly said. ‘You’ve left somebody out!’ said Mama.” So Holly names the postman, some friends, and cousins. When Mama sighs that she’s about to cry, Holly softens and confesses her love for her mother. It’s all very tender, and in conjunction with Ashforth’s drowsy watercolors—resembling John Goodall’s in style and mastery—is a story that almost melts with geniality. (Picture book. 3-6)