Member Reviews

LOVE by Corrinne Averiss and Kirsti Beautyman who did the Illustrations was an adorable story about having first day jitters of going to school....It's a day we all may remember I know I do.........This lovely book talks about who to deal with your separation anxiety your child may have and how to deal with it with a sweet message "How at the end of the day, you’ll always come home to the ones who love you." So sweet and adorable I loved it.

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I'm so pleased that there is a wealth of books for children, both young and old, about the validity of feelings. Love is an excellent addition to this.

Tess is worried that when she leaves her house to go to school on her own, her family's love won't stretch that far and they will forget about her. A brilliant book with beautiful illustrations that looks at the anxiety of starting school, and new experiences in general, and the power of familial love.

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Beautifully written, only shame is on the kindle you don’t get to appreciate the illustrations.

Thank you for letting me review this book

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This would be a wonderful book to use at the start of the school year with young classes to remind them that although they are separated from their families while in school, they never go away. This was a truly beautiful story which shares the message that we are always connected to those we love.

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I really loved this book about a little girl called Tess who started school and was worried incase she couldn't feel the love from her family while she was there. Her family reminded her that their love is always with her and that they are attached to each other by strings which keep their love strong. The illustrations in the book are lovely and they show these golden strings of love which join each family member together, as well as the strings which Tess forms with her teacher and friends. This is a beautiful, heartwarming book, which made me feel quite emotional. It showed that Tess shouldn't worry about going to school as her teacher and friends will love her and take care of her while she is there and her Mum will pick her up when she is finished and give her the love she needs. My daughter and I really enjoyed this book and we had a big cuddle at the end of it to show our love for each other.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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'Love is like a string between us - it can stretch as far as it needs to.' Throughout the book 'LOVE' string is used in the illustrations to represent love between Tess and her family. On the day she starts school and Tess feels anxious, she can be safe in the knowledge that her mum is at the end of her string. As she meets new friends at school, she notices they have strings. One boy called Harry has a string that stretches far away because his father has died. I'm not sure my daughter who is 6 quite understands the visual metaphor but she loves the book and the beautiful illustrations kept her attention throughout.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

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This charming book looks at anxiety, and separation from loved ones, from a child's pov. In this case, it is starting school, which can be downright scary! Great choice for helping a youngling prepare for their first day of school or daycare, likely their first time on their own with strangers.

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This is a great picture book that really shows the power of love that transcends space and time. It is an wonderful story for both children and adults. I would say it works amazing as an encouragement for children that have to stay away from their parents for the first time, as well as for those that have lost someone dear to them to death. I think it is one of the most invocative and swoon-worthy picture book I have ever come across, and the gorgeous illustrations really do the book justice.

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it feels like the kind of books I would've loved as a child. a book telling me that my emotions were valid, showing me that simply because you can't see your loved ones doesn't mean they don't love you anymore. such a great little book!

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Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this book in return for an honest review.

This explained love and how it can be anywhere so beautifully. It had a simple but gorgeous art that helped show how love could look with a string and it is small enough (33 pages) to read in one sitting. This is ideal to be read to children just before they go to school for the first time as it can help ease any anxieties.

Rating: 5⭐
Would I Read It Again? Yes
Would I Recommend it? Yes

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The way love was represented through strings was absolutely heart-warming.

I love how the book explored so many different aspects of love in such a short number of pages. Needless to say, the illustrations were beautiful and carried as much weight as the words themselves did.

First of all, there is the love we feel when we are close to our loved ones. Then there is the uncertainty and ache that comes from being apart. The disappointment when our tugs are not returned. The way it represents the love between families, friends, even those who are not with us anymore.

And then, I cannot forget, the love of her mother. I think this is the most special bond of all because in the end, mom makes it all better and gets the string in order, and sort of even makes it multiply! Moms are our treasury of endless love and they are always there at the very end of the string, we just have to tag and wait.

At the end of this, I just wanted to go and hug someone. This is incredible.

Who would like it: If you have a little one who is just starting school, and you're afraid they will get separation anxiety. It would be a beautiful gift, for any day, month or season too.

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A beautiful story that would warm every reader's heart. With the adorable arts and good message, kids shall love to read this.

You'll be reminded that love is always there, whether you can see it or not. And no matter where you're going even if you're far away from your loved one, you'll know that you're loved and that special person is watching you always be it physically or in their prayers. That's what truly remarkable with love because you can feel it exist in your heart ❤️

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This heartfelt tale of love and connection is just gorgeously glorious! I adore Corrinne Averiss and her idea of the love strings is a really beautiful concept - it was just magic to be wrapped up snug in all the warmth, wonder and joy of love.

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A lovely exploration of love, its different manifestations and how it connects us in different ways. The idea of a thread offers a beautiful, lyrical visual representation of an abstract concept which can be difficult to grasp for little ones. The brief yet powerful mention of loss was particularly touching.

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Whether you're big or small, reading this gorgeous picture book will feel like having an enormous hug from someone you love. At home, Tess's house and family are filled with love, but when she has to start school she's worried she won't feel that love any more. Her mum reassures her, telling her: "love is like a string between us - it can stretch as far as it needs to". Throughout the school day, new strings begin to connect Tess to others, and she sees them weaving all around her. But as home time arrives Tess can't find her Mum. Will their string bring them back together?
This is a cosy, comforting book for any small child who is starting school or facing a new experience. @Corrinneaveriss 's analogy of love being a string which connects us to each other, is brought to life wonderfully through @KirstiBeautyman's warm illustrations and we love the pages where Tess is unwinding all her string.
There are also some lovely little details throughout the story, like the small houses which Tess's Dad creates, and funny moments which add some light relief, like the fact Tess's dog can't come to school because he can't use crayons. A lovely book which is perfect to read with those you love.

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Utterly charming, this is a beautiful book.
The illustrations are gorgeous, the words well crafted, but the message really is key here.
Simply this book would work if you're looking for a book to introduce a child to the idea of going to school, but actually this book is so much more than that. Showing a child the connections we form & how they last & develop when we're not together. This book has so many chances to shine.
I loved LOVE.

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An utterly beautiful book which should be on every bookshelf. The gorgoeus illustrations combined with an easily accessible but powerful story make this the perfect read for all young children and all those who just sometimes need to be reminded about the power of love. At this time, especially, when there is so much anxiety and worry around this book is an absolute must.
My heartfelt gratitude to the publishers and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book and for warming my heart on this cold, wintry day.

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This might just be one of the most glorious books I have ever read. I will definitely buy copies for myself but for families and friends with children. A stunningly illustrated book showing the strings of love that connect us to those in our lives, whether they are near or far.
Tess is always with her family and they are bound by their strings of love. When school starts for Tess, she worries about the length of string and whether she will feel the love.
There are some joyous moments of finding new connections and strings as you meet new people all the while maintaining and caring for your family string. With love, even if you are late, the strings remain and hold tight, but you must believe in them too.

A heartfelt look at the fears over starting school, missing family and finding courage to make new friends.
Warm, enchanting and hopeful- this should be shared with every child starting school!

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"If we're not together, will the love still find me?" asked Tess
"Don"t worry", said Mum, "Love is like a string between us - it can stretch as. far as it needs to"

LOVE was so beautiful and heartwarming! It's a story about the first day of school but most of all: love. The story portrays different type of love and I really loved how it was explained, The drawings shows that love is everywhere and that we can have different strings linked to friends, family etc and that even if we can't see the other person, love is and will always be here once the love string is created.

I highly recommend it!!

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What a lovely picturebook! Absolutely enjoyed it. The illustrations are glorious. And the story—about Tess going to school for the first time and wondering if her family and mother's love would stretch far enough when she is away—is an excellent idea. The book, in simple words, shows how 'love' is and the apprehensions kids have when they leave home for school. Kids would love this book and so will adults.

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