LOVE

What a beautiful book to help children understand that once the thread of love is there, it will always be there even if you can't see the other person.
Particularly helpful for a child's first day at school when some children are way from their mummy for the first time.
Lovely book that I think any child could relate to.

Not being a parent myself, I imagine that the first day of school can be a daunting experience for a child, and you often hear stories about nervous children, afraid to leave their family and head out into the unknown, surrounded by children and adults that they've never met before. This is one of the main themes of Love, and it handles this in a really beautiful way.

The book follows Tess, a young girl who lives with her parents and little brother Tommy, a girl who's grown up surrounded by love. The book shows this love as a real, tangible thing, a shining golden thread that connects the family together, and wraps around them when they're close. Is't a great visual representation, and over the course of the book this thread is used to goof effect, showing children that even when Tess is away from her mother at school that thread is still there, connecting the two of them.

Somewhat overwhelmed by events, Tess tries to tug on her thread, trying to pull her mother back to her; but learns that this isn't how love really works. Over her day Tess begins to make friends with some of the other children, and more threads begin to form around Tess as she forms friendships with these kids, and learns that they too have these threads of love; even to family members who have passed away, with their thread going up high to connect them to their loved one in heaven. Tess discovers that there are different kinds of love, and that the love of a friend is equally as important and valued as the love she has for her family.

When her mother is late picking her yup from school Tess is worried that her thread might be broken, that her mother might be gone or no longer loves her anymore. When her mother arrives she reassures Tess that she will always love her, and that she will always have that thread.

Love is a really sweet book, one that has a wonderful message at its heart, that love can connect you to the people you care about, even if they're not around, or even if they've passed away. It's a message that some younger kids might need to hear, one that reassures them that even when things seem at their scariest, someone will always be caring about them.

The book has some beautiful illustrations by Kirsti Beautyman, who manages to convey the idea of these threads of love in really pretty ways, and it really adds to the story and conveys what could have been fairly abstract and lofty ideas in a way that is easy to grasp.

What a beautiful and heartfelt book to remind us, adults and children, that love connects us to each other. A lovely sweet story with beautiful illustrations. Also would help children who suffer from separation anxiety,

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book.

I requested it as I am a fan of other books by the same publisher, and it definitely didn’t disappoint. It is a short sweet story about love, which I think would be such a great book for children who are anxious about starting school, like Tess in the book.

The illustrations are also lovely.

When Tess is nervous about starting school, her mum explains to her that the love she feels at home, and when she is with her family is like a string between them.

Well, this is just beautiful! The illustrations, the words, the sentiment. I almost cried. Great for anyone with a little worrier starting school or pre-school, but a lovely addition to any child's library.

Thank you to Quatro Publishing Group and #NetGalley for an advanced copy.

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.

I like the illustrations and the colour palette in this book. The idea of strings is also charming. I'm sure this book would help a lot of kids (and parents) who are afraid to go to school for the first time.

Wonderful book which describes the complexity of love in a child friendly way. This book would be perfect for new school starters or those who have attachement issues. Really super illustrations, with clear descriptive language.

Thank you to Quarto and Corrinne Averiss for the advance review copy of LOVE.

This book is just gorgeous. With beautiful illustrations throughout, this story is an ideal read for younger children who are experiencing being separated from the ones they love - whether that's due to Covid times in 2020, starting a new school or nursery, or who's parents may live in separate houses.

The story reminds children that love is like a piece of string that can stretch and stretch - although you may not always be able to see who is on the other end - they are always there. Sometimes the string may get frayed or tangled. but love never breaks.

Using the visual metaphor of string to represent love, it shows how new strings can form and old strings can last the test of time, even when challenges get in the way.

Adorable! :)

"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!!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 ❤️

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.

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.

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!

'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.

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.