Module 1

Love You Forever, by Robert N. Munsch.

Summary

The book begins with a mother holding her baby. She sings to him, "I'll love you forever, I'll love you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be." This song serves as the theme throughout the book, which chronicles the ever-lasting love this mother has for her son as he grows from baby, to child, to teenager, then adult. Ultimately the roles of parent and child are reversed, and we see how undying love is passed on from generation to generation.

Bibliography

Munsch, R. N. (1986). Love you forever. Canada: Firefly Books Ltd.

My Thoughts

While this is a very sweet and moving story with a poignant message, it is not my favorite piece of youth literature. In fact, it seems more appropriate for the adult who might be reading it to the child. This adult, in my opinion, is most likely a mother who finds this story of a mother's love for her son endearing and sentimental. While a child may enjoy the message of the story, I feel it is more "relatable" for a parent.

Reviews

My children and I enjoyed it, night after night, for years... A charmer. The simple story touches the heart. Jeith L. Runyon, Louisville Courier-Journal, November 13, 2005.

The best of Munsch's many storybooks. Leanne Dohy, Calgary Herald, September 25, 2003.

How I Would Use This Book

- Because of the repetitiveness of the mother's song, this is an easy verse for children to learn. Having children repeatedly sing the verse with me each time I came to it in the book would help improve their memory skills.

- I would have a discussion about family. There are many different types of family structures and it is good for children to understand this. Some children live with a mother and father, while some live with either or. Some live with grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. Regardless, it is important for children to know that, like the mother in the story, there are always people around who will love and care for you. I would have the children draw a picture of them with their family. They would take turns sharing their picture and talking about who is in their immediate and extended family.