Book review: I'd Know You Anywhere, My Love by Nancy Tillman

I'd Know You Anywhere, My Love by Nancy Tillman

Hardcover, 32 pages

Published August 27th 2013 by Feiwel & Friends

There are things about you quite unlike any other.

Things always known by your father or mother.

So if you decide to be different one day,

no worries… I’d know you anyway.

Every child is special and unique, but every child also loves to dream of being something different. Bestselling author and artist Nancy Tillman has created another heartfelt masterpiece celebrating the joys of imagination, and the comfort of always knowing that "you are loved."

Unique. Different. Special. No matter who we are or what we are like, a parent's love for their child is unconditional no matter what. This is the strongest message found within the pages of author and illustrator Nancy Tillman's latest picture book,  I'd Know You Anywhere, My Love. Look at that cover. Doesn't it do something to you? Pulls at the heartstrings with its gentle artistry and poignant image? It certainly touched me, as did every single page. Sometimes our society wants to treat us all alike and shun those who may be different. Why can't we embrace those characteristics which make us different? Make us unique? Make us, well, make us who we are. Love is impartial, blind, and doesn't carry ties of any kind, especially the special bond between a parent and child.

There is such a gentle beauty to Nancy Tillman's illustrations. They belong matted and hanging on walls of homes, bookstores and galleries they are that precious. Equating children with their love of animals, I loved how the story with its rhyming verse showcases a parent's love no matter what attributes of various animals their child may take on. From red fox to snowy owl, ringtail racoon to blue-footed booby, there are enough to impress any taste. 

I know when my children were born, I could discern their cries from others in the nursery. The same applies to our love. No matter how our children may change or disguise themselves, a mother and father will always be able to discern them.  I'd Know You Anywhere, My Love by Nancy Tillman is an instant classic and would be a welcome addition to any mother-to-be's shower present of a basket of picture books. Lovely and unforgettable.

Rating: 5

Cover comment:

As I said in my review, this cover image yanks on my heartstrings. Yes, it is THAT powerful.

Book source:

I received a promotional copy in exchange for my honest review. Thanks to Feiwel and Friends (an imprint of Macmillan Children's Publishing Group).