Little Love List

Little Love List (Affirm Press) Bethany Clark & Summer Macon PB RRP $22.99 9781922806758

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Bethany Clark spends her time making and talking about books with many of Australia’s best authors, booksellers, librarians and publishers. Now, she has written her own picture book.

Summer Macon lives in a very tiny town in Colorado, and she loves to doodle, bike and rock climb.

This heartwarming picture book shares a list of ways unconditional love is shown to reassure a child they are truly loved no matter what.

Bethany Clark’s writing is emotive, heartfelt and fun. It has the same feels as the hugely popular book Guess How Much I Love You. The voice speaks directly to the child reader with words of love a parent would say. The opening two sentences are not only poetic but also set the story up. When do I love you, Little One? Well, there is this little list, you know. And if you read it, it will show… The repeat refrain I love you when you’re… is used to great effect on nearly every page. Simple, clear writing with verbs makes this text shine. I love you when you’re cranky. 

The text explores a range of feelings that a child experiences. The last few pages link back to the beginning and the list. This ties the text together like an imaginary thread. The ending is so loving and reassuring that a parent will want to read and say these things to their child again and again.

Summer Macon’s illustrations are joyful, simple, and heartwarming. The soft peach-coloured front cover, featuring a mother and child at the centre, surrounded by a ribbon of love, perfectly captures the essence of the story without a single word. The striking blue title contrasts beautifully with the soft background, immediately signalling that this is a book about love for a child. The title page, adorned with blue stars and a ribbon decorated with tiny hearts against a white backdrop, adds a touch of elegance. The endpapers, in complementary colours, evoke the charm of chalk paint.

The illustrations throughout the book radiate love, with the characterisation of the parent and child depicted in a childlike, joyful manner. The simplicity of the images and the varied perspectives bring the story to life, creating a sense of harmony and warmth. I love how the artwork reflects a childlike worldview, supporting the emotional depth of the narrative. The ribbon of love winds its way throughout the entire book, from cover to cover, symbolising the never-ending love a parent has for their child.

Little Love List is a heartwarming picture book that beautifully showcases a parent’s never-ending love for their child. With its playful narrative and captivating illustrations, this book is sure to resonate with children aged 0-6 years, as well as a broader audience. Its universal theme of love makes it a perfect addition to gift shops, and it holds strong market appeal, particularly around Valentine’s Day