I Love You the Purplest

A book about a mother and her two sons. They go out to fish, but before they fish they have to dig up worms. The author uses many descriptive words when talking about the weather, the dirt, the water, etc. It brings readers into the story and helps them feel like they are there with the characters during their adventure. Great book to share to students especially for those who have a single mother taking care of them. It shows that parents can come in all different forms.

I've been excited to purchase this book, now that I have two beautiful girls who are more and more aware of each other. The story is about a mom spending an idyllic day with her two sons, and the boys are constantly competing for her affections. Every time one asks her who she likes better, this clever mom comes up with sweet ways of explaining how she loves them both equally but different.

I discovered this picture book when I worked at a bookstore many years ago, and fell in love with the poetic language and soft illustrations. The mother's responses are lyric, and she always compares the boys to different colors that capture their personalities. The pictures incorporate her words and the color symbolism in beautiful watercolors that perfectly capture a hazy summer day. After I read it, I knew that I would someday buy it when I had two children of my own.

I have to admit, the story and illustrations are not all that captivating for a toddler or preschool mind. I read it to them the other day and lost my oldest daughter's interest after a few pages. It doesn't have that whole package of gripping story, engaging illustrations, and the ability to capture a child's attention. It is just a very sweet story that encapsulates a healthy family dynamic. Perhaps the story is meant for parents who can best understand what the mother is feeling. I like to think, though, that after hearing the story sporadically throughout years of books shared together, my daughters will come to appreciate the message, and even embrace this picture book as a staple of their childhood. ( )

Two boys discover that their mother loves them equally but in different ways.

In the beautiful book illustrated by Mary Whyte and written by Barbara M. Jossee, called I Love You the Purplest, a mother and her two playful sons spend time in the outdoors near their small red cabin. With a little bit of healthy sibling rivalry, the boys ask their Mama which one does each thing best and who she loves the most. Very creatively and lovingly, Mama tells each son that she loves his individual qualities without comparing them to one another, giving both boys the reassurance they need.

The competition reminds me of two of my sons when they were growing up. As a matter of fact, now all three of them are usually in the middle of some kind of competition most of the time.

This book could be read to reassure a new big brother or sister who has just been blessed with the arrival of a new sibling. It could help ease the worry that a mother would have to lose some of her love for one when another one comes along.

It could open up a discussion about families such as how many siblings we each have, what kind of activities we do together, if we've ever fished from a boat, etc. ( )

Great book about a mother's love for her sons despite their differences and competiviness. ( )