Guess How Much I Love You: Friendship Adventures

PreS-Gr 1—Sweet stories of friendship and gentle life lessons bloom in this animated DVD based on the popular picture book Guess How Much I Love You?? (Candlewick, 1995) by Sam McBratney, with illustrations by Anita Jeram. The well-drawn watercolors feature realistic animation of all four seasons in 10-minute episodes, which are just right for young viewers. Little Nutbrown Hare and his meadow neighbors learn how to be good friends, keep their promises, forgive, share, be honest, and take responsibility for their actions. Never didactic, but always playful and imaginative, the tales celebrate friendship and fathomless parental love. Best of all are the outstanding cast members who use their childlike vocals to illuminate the personalities of each animal character. Little Field Mouse has an especially infectious giggle and squeak that are entirely believable and fresh. Each story is prefaced by a short, original song that reiterates the theme. Teachers, parents, and young children will be enchanted by the unassuming stories, which can also serve as introductions or extensions of the McBratney picture books.—Lonna Pierce, MacArthur and Thomas Jefferson Elementary Schools, Binghamton, NY