Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
No Matter What
Board Book
For ages 3 to 6
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2008 ISBN: 978-0152063436
Small is in a very "grim and grumpy" mood. When Large gets off the phone, Large finds Small sitting in a corner with a bucket on its head. Naturally, Large asks what the matter is, which is when Small explains that it is sure that Large cannot possible love it anymore. Large quickly reassures Small that Large's love will not go away just because Small is "grim and grumpy."
Small then wonders if Large would stop loving it if it were a bear, a crocodile, or "a squishy bug." Large gently explains that Large will always love Small "no matter what" because love does not "wear out" or "break or bend." Even distance cannot affect a real love. No matter where they are and "no matter what," Large will always love Small.
Children who worry about whether their parent's love will wear out will be greatly reassured by this marvelous board book. The two fox characters who are featured in the tale are quite lovable, and children will greatly enjoy the way in which the art on every page is packed with cunning details. The gently rhyming text and the illustrations complement one another perfectly, and the grand finale with its sprinkling of silver stars is sure to warm and soothe anxious hearts and minds.
