The Boy Who Loved Everyone
Author: Jane Porter
Illustrator: Maisie Paradise Shearring
Candlewick Press
Ages: 3-8 years-old
Dimitri is the most affectionate boy in preschool. He loves every child, every adult, every ant, and every tree. And he’s not afraid to say so. However when the children, adults, ants and trees don’t answer back the same way, Dimitri feels embarrassed, and ashamed.
Hurt by this seeming rejection, Dimitri doesn’t want to go back to school, but his wise mother explains that his kindness will take root and grow, and that “I love you” can be expressed in ways beyond words. When Dimitri returns, he sees the fruits of his love growing and spreading.
“A few moments later, Liam came over and gave Dimitri a kind hug.
“Hello my friend! Will you sit by me at storytime again?” he asked.
The warm feeling in Dimitri grew bigger.
With colorful, whimsical illustrations, and tender, gentle text, illustrator Maisie Paradise Shearring and author Jane Porter teach a lesson no less important than what to do when big feelings don’t receive big responses, all while showcasing a sweet little boy in touch with his emotions. In fact, I had Mr. Rogers’ voice in my head when I read this dear little book – I’m not sure there’s higher praise. Highly recommend. [Editor’s Note: Ditto!]
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More books for this Age Group can be found here.
My thanks to Candlewick Press for providing a Review Copy of this book. All opinions provided herein are my own.
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