AND I LOVE YOU

Kellogg interprets a poem originally published in 1987 as Big and Little with pastel illustrations by Mary Szilagyi. The most appreciative audience of this edition will likely be adult fans of the author and/or illustrator. But parents and grandparents who enjoy the opportunity to reiterate their love for their little ones will also embrace it. And sharing the book one-on-one should entice at least some young listeners to contemplate the occasionally abstract pairings and examine the illustrator’s expansive, imaginative images. Using books as a recurring visual theme and featuring the same large cat/small cat characters allows him to foster a sense of continuity whether Krauss is noting that “big forests…love little trees” or “big dark streets…love little streetlamps.” Although his wide-eyed characters look familiar, the backgrounds differ considerably from his usual work, with great splotchy swirls of color and plenty of interesting texture. With lots to look at, talk about and wonder over, this imaginative flight of fancy might also find a place in elementary art or creative-writing classes. Surprisingly and pleasantly offbeat. (Picture book. 4-8)