LOVE

The cast of Sesame Street declaims what love means to them.

It means something different for each of them, based on their personalities and interests: For example, “Love is infinite” for the Count, cookies for Cookie Monster, “being an everyday hero” for Grover, “building something together” for the Twiddlebugs, “accepting life even when it is messy” for Oscar, and “magical and full of wonder” for Abby Cadabby. Bert and Ernie are pictured with their pigeon and rubber duckie, respectively, and for them, “Love is being kind to all your best friends.” Snuffleupagus, Big Bird, and Little Bird say that “Love comes in all shapes and sizes.” Other characters include Zoe, Elmo, Rosita, the Honkers, and Julia. Kwiat’s illustrations use a scratchy, scribbly style that suits the characters, most of whom are furry or feathered. The word “love” on each page often matches the characters on that page and is capitalized and set in a large font; Oscar’s “love” oozes and drips, though in rainbow colors. The final page shows the entire cast: “Love is everywhere and all around us.” There’s little to engage readers beyond their pre-existing love of the characters, which it doesn’t even leverage. For instance, the book’s design misses the opportunity for readers to guess what their beloved characters might love most of all, instead just informing them, page after page.

Devoted fans of Sesame Street will love to see their favorite characters in a different light: on the page instead of on TV.