A Book of Loves

*This delightful read centers around cats, dogs, and children. What each one loves is slightly different, though all are happy to be loved themselves. Rylant’s evocative message illustrates, in a simple way, that cats love things like boxes and toys, and dogs love sticks and dirt. Children, however, love things like reading, playing catch, and eating cake. Rylant lists eight things each character loves, one per page, paired with acrylic paint illustrations that appear almost print-like … Young children are sure to enjoy repeated encounters with this cheerful book and will most likely have it memorized after one or two read-throughs, as most pages bear only one word. Teachers might find this a valuable resource classroom lessons, like asking students to create their own illustrated books of things they love. Add this to all picture book collections, as it’s sure to be enjoyed by students and teachers alike. – School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW * 1/16/26 *Arranged as neatly ordered vignettes on crisp, open pages, Rylant’s childlike illustrations in expressive, thick acrylic paint match the very simple text nicely. Designed for the youngest listeners, this concept book is perfect for baby or toddler storytimes. Hand to little ones who are drawn to Todd Parr’s distinctive style or to Marla Frazee’s In Every Life (2023). Sweetly simple. – Booklist * January 2026 *An affectionately observant picture book that captures loving’s universality … Smudgy, thickly colored artwork has an approachable, naïve quality that suits the text’s minimalism as it builds to the repeated observation that creatures also share love for experiencing love. – Publishers Weekly * 10/6/25 *Love is love is love in this collection of what is most loved … Rylant’s images are the epitome of sweetness … opportunities abound for little ones to make their own lists … Tenderly expressed sentiments, ideal for Valentine’s Day. – Kirkus * November 1, 2025 *

Cynthia Rylant is the author of more than one hundred books for young people, including beloved series Henry and Mudge, Motor Mouse, and Mr. Putter & Tabby series. Her novel Missing May received the Newbery Medal. She lives in Oregon.