From School Library Journal
PreS–Rhythmic, somewhat dialectal prose combines with Keeter's warm and expressive oil paintings to convey a sense of song and motion across the pages of this simple book. Heartwarming scenes of an African-American mother and child cuddling, playing, dancing, and napping together are sure to evoke powerful feelings of love, nurturing, and security in both parent and child. Pair this lyrical offering with one of these other stories depicting young children, mostly African American, within the context of a loving family: Trish Cooke's So Much (1994) and Full, Full, Full of Love (2003, both Candlewick); Ann Tyler's Baby Dance (1999); and Vera B. Williams's "More More More," Said the Baby (1990, both HarperCollins).–Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH


From Booklist
PreS. This picture book could have been published as a sturdy board book, but it's easy to see why a full-size, hardcover format was ultimately chosen: Keeter's satiny oil portraits of an African American mom and her handsome toddler deserve to be reproduced in large format. Setting off the warm skin tones with bright tropical hues, Keeter enfolds iconic moments of babyhood in a cocoon of burnt-sugar warmth and sweetness. There is something a bit off-putting in the smothering maternal impulses that sometimes surface in Duncan's text (this mom wants to squeeze and kiss her "sweet Puddin' 'n' Pie" until "the sugar's gone"). Still, the poetic narrative will especially appeal to many African American families for language that reflects the sounds and rhythms of their households ("I'm gone always be yo sweet Ma'Dear"), and the reassuring words and joyful images should touch an even broader audience. Jennifer Mattson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


Book Description
A mother expresses her everlasting love for her child in this warm, poetic picture book. Alice Faye Duncan's playful, affectionate text and Susan Keeter's tender paintings will touch your heart and soul. I'm gone always be yo sweet Ma'Dear, and you gone always be my baby.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Debra Briatico

In this touching picture book, a mother tenderly expresses her unconditional love for her toddler son. She shows her love by holding her son in her arms and hugging him tightly, giving him gentle kisses on his cheeks, twirling and running with him in the green grass, and playing games, such as patty-cake with him. No matter what time of day or what activity they are involved in, she always takes the opportunity to share her affections with her son. It is easy for readers to see how much this mother loves her son, and how important he is to her. This endearing story is a perfect read-aloud for bedtime or anytime parents want to remind their children how much they mean to them. Young readers will enjoy the soothing, poetic text, as well as the warm, endearing artwork. 2005, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Ages 3 to 6.

School Library Journal

PreS-Rhythmic, somewhat dialectal prose combines with Keeter's warm and expressive oil paintings to convey a sense of song and motion across the pages of this simple book. Heartwarming scenes of an African-American mother and child cuddling, playing, dancing, and napping together are sure to evoke powerful feelings of love, nurturing, and security in both parent and child. Pair this lyrical offering with one of these other stories depicting young children, mostly African American, within the context of a loving family: Trish Cooke's So Much (1994) and Full, Full, Full of Love (2003, both Candlewick); Ann Tyler's Baby Dance (1999); and Vera B. Williams's "More More More," Said the Baby (1990, both HarperCollins).-Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews