From Publishers Weekly
Even Ichikawa's (the Tanya series) effervescent watercolors can't disguise a rhyming text that is as corny as Kansas in August. The simile-driven format is established on the very first page: "I am your parent; you are my child. I am your quiet place; you are my wild." As the sage teddy bear and the adorable child make their way through the day, the elder bear is always described in terms of wisdom and patience, while the offspring is ebullient and unpredictable (the characters' genders aren't specified). First-time author Cusimano stretches the conceit past the breaking point: for bathtime, she writes, "I am your dry towel; you are my wet bath." At the evening meal, it's "I am your dinner; you are my chocolate cake. I am your bedtime; you are my wide awake." Fortunately, Ichikawa's graceful, full-bleed pictures have none of the text's saccharine qualities. Her views of the teddy bear duo have a sweet, simple pellucidity, instantly communicating all that the reader needs to know about the wonders of loving and being loved. Ages 3-7. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.


From School Library Journal
PreS-The rhythmic and lyrical text of this beautifully illustrated picture book explores the special connections between a parent and child. The opening pages show an adult teddy bear curled up with a baby bear: "I am your parent;/you are my child./I am your quiet place;/you are my wild." The verses that follow describe the activities of a busy day. While they play outside, the grown-up explains, "I am your water wings;/you are my deep./I am your open arms;/you are my running leap." After a bath, dinner, and a favorite story, the poem ends with a quiet moment: "I am your lullaby;/you are my peekaboo./I am your good-night kiss;/you are my/I love you." The soft watercolor illustrations bring the spirit behind the text to light. The joy and movement of running, spinning, splashing, and hugging are all captured in a warm and lighthearted manner, and the baby bear's small toy animals often join in the fun and games. An appealing choice for bedtime sharing.-Genevieve Ceraldi, New York Public LibraryCopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
Ages 3-7. In the tradition of Margaret Wise Brown's Little Bunny, this book celebrates mother-child love and offers reassurances about a mother's watchful presence when her child begins to explore. Two teddy bears, mother and baby, play outdoors, with an assemblage of tiny stuffed animals looking on. On each double-page spread, a statement juxtaposes images of comfort and security with those of exploration and risk-taking: "I am your calm place; / you are my giggle"; "I am your open arms; / You are my running leap." After a full day of play, it's bedtime: "I am your good-night kiss; / you are my / I love you." The gentle watercolors sweetly capture the loving mother and child and the fun they are having. Thought provoking as well as delightful, this is a good choice for reading aloud. Connie Fletcher
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


Kirkus
Warmly reassuring, this tale is ideal for sharing with loved ones, big or small. (Picture book. 3-7)


Book Description
I am your parent; you are my child.
I am your quiet place; you are my wild. . . .

A day in the life of parent and child-full of smiles and giggles, messes and meals, boundless energy and well-earned naps. Not to mention lots of love.

Illustrated by Satomi Ichikawa


Card catalog description
Illustrations and rhyming text describe how a parent and child complement one another.

ANNOTATION

Illustrations and rhyming text describe how a parent and child complement one another.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

I am your parent; you are my child.
I am your quiet place; you are my wild. . . .

A day in the life of parent and child-full of smiles and giggles, messes and meals, boundless energy and well-earned naps. Not to mention lots of love.

Illustrated by Satomi Ichikawa

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Even Ichikawa's (the Tanya series) effervescent watercolors can't disguise a rhyming text that is as corny as Kansas in August. The simile-driven format is established on the very first page: "I am your parent; you are my child. I am your quiet place; you are my wild." As the sage teddy bear and the adorable child make their way through the day, the elder bear is always described in terms of wisdom and patience, while the offspring is ebullient and unpredictable (the characters' genders aren't specified). First-time author Cusimano stretches the conceit past the breaking point: for bathtime, she writes, "I am your dry towel; you are my wet bath." At the evening meal, it's "I am your dinner; you are my chocolate cake. I am your bedtime; you are my wide awake." Fortunately, Ichikawa's graceful, full-bleed pictures have none of the text's saccharine qualities. Her views of the teddy bear duo have a sweet, simple pellucidity, instantly communicating all that the reader needs to know about the wonders of loving and being loved. Ages 3-7. (Apr.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Children's Literature

Parents and children often struggle with one another and this precious book is a subtle reminder that we are meant to balance each other daily. With lines like "I am your way home; you are my new path. I am your dry towel; you are my wet bath" readers are encouraged to see things from another's point of view. The rhyming text is soothing and thought-provoking. Ms. Ichikawa's soft, fluid watercolors add life to the text and make this book all the more endearing. This is a wonderful book to share with children and it would be a wonderful gift book, sure to be treasured by all. Highly recommended. 2001, Philomel, $15.99. Ages 6 mo. up. Reviewer: Trina Heidt

School Library Journal

PreS-The rhythmic and lyrical text of this beautifully illustrated picture book explores the special connections between a parent and child. The opening pages show an adult teddy bear curled up with a baby bear: "I am your parent;/you are my child./I am your quiet place;/you are my wild." The verses that follow describe the activities of a busy day. While they play outside, the grown-up explains, "I am your water wings;/you are my deep./I am your open arms;/you are my running leap." After a bath, dinner, and a favorite story, the poem ends with a quiet moment: "I am your lullaby;/you are my peekaboo./I am your good-night kiss;/you are my/I love you." The soft watercolor illustrations bring the spirit behind the text to light. The joy and movement of running, spinning, splashing, and hugging are all captured in a warm and lighthearted manner, and the baby bear's small toy animals often join in the fun and games. An appealing choice for bedtime sharing.-Genevieve Ceraldi, New York Public Library Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

Newcomer Cusimano's tale is a celebration of the transcendent, loving bonds that exist between a parent and child. In melodic couplets, a father croons a tender lullaby to his child, describing their mutual adoration. Alternately sentimental and comical, the verses focus on the minutiae of a child's daily life: silly games, carrot stick snacks and chocolate desserts, and bedtime stories. The lyrical verses capture the yin and yang of the parent/child relationship; the parent's role provides the security a child craves while the child's part illuminates the joyous freedom that comes from that sense of sanctuary. Cusimano subtly conveys a powerful message about the intimate connection between these two roles; for every way in which the beloved child is the epicenter of the parent's universe, the parent in turn is the steadfast mooring of the child's world. "I am your water wings; / you are my deep. / I am your open arms; / you are my running leap." While the introspective verses are more reflective of an adult's sensibilities, the depth of the emotion expressed will resonate with young readers. Ichikawa's soft pastel watercolors complement the heart-felt verses. Her beguiling artwork features an animated pair of stuffed teddy bears frolicking about, with the little bear's antics perfectly portraying the exuberance and reckless joie de vivre that is part and parcel of a happy, well-loved tot's existence. Warmly reassuring, this tale is ideal for sharing with loved ones, big or small. (Picture book. 3-7)