Great Books for Bedtime: I Love You Sun, I Love You Moon

Published in 1994, 'I Love You Sun, I Love You Moon' is a board book written by Karen Pandell and illustrated by Tomie dePaola. The simple text and comforting drawings make it a great choice as both a read aloud story and a bedtime story with your child.

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About the Story

I Love You Sun, I Love You Moon includes a single statement on each page similar to the two in the title. Like many board books aimed at small children, it doesn't follow a narrative. Instead, each page contains a declarative statement and a related picture. All of the pages portray children outdoors as they interact with nature. Among the items pictured are a bird, a fish, a flower and a wolf.

The series of statements is bookended by the sun and moon statements of the title. Following this, the book concludes with the children gathered together with many of the animals and items noted on previous pages. The text on the final pages reads, 'I love you, earth. And you love me.'

i love you sun i love you moon by karen pandell and tomie depaola

Ideal for Reading Aloud

I Love You Sun, I Love You Moon is a great option for beginning readers. The diction level is appropriate for the child who is just starting to read. Furthermore, the scope of the book is limited in a way that will keep your young reader from feeling intimidated or overwhelmed.

It's also a perfect choice for pre-readers. Once your pre-reader becomes comfortable with the repetition of the 'I love you' phrase that begins nearly every page, he or she will be able to 'read' most of the book. Next, your child can begin matching the unique words on each page with the images. This will help him or her develop the complete phrases, such as 'I love you, tree' or 'I love you, water.'

Great for Bedtime

The same repetition of text that makes I Love You Sun, I Love You Moon ideal for reading aloud makes it a good choice for bedtime reading. The rhythm of the story is very soothing for young children and can help calm your child as he or she winds down for sleep. Likewise, the simplistic nature of the text won't overly stimulate your child's brain.

The pictures in the book work in conjunction with the text to calm your child at bedtime. The drawings are all childlike and two-dimensional. There are many colors, but they are often muted and soothing. They include many blues, greens and pastels. Whether you use I Love You Sun, I Love You Moon to help your child learn to read or get to sleep, this versatile board book is sure to delight.

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