Joined in 2023 
82 
63 About this deal
Where does Sam McBratney get his inspiration? "I told my children stories when they were young," he says, "so when I write I try to think of what they would have liked." But there may be another source guiding his writing as well. The author's father--who worked as a type compositor with the BELFAST TELEGRAPH, and whose favorite books were westerns--is the person Sam McBratney credits for giving him his love of the English language. "Most of my picture books--GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU, THE DARK AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS, JUST ONE!, and JUST YOU AND ME--explore the relationship between a big one and a wee one," the author notes. "The big one is not called the father in the stories, but that's what he is. Although my dad died before I became a writer, the father in my stories has a voice and a presence that he would have recognized and understood." The original picture book was published in 1994 and the sweet story and beautiful watercolour illustrations captured the hearts of adults and children all over the world. Written by Sam McBratney and illustrated by Anita Jeram, the book has gone on to sell over 40 million copies worldwide and was also adapted into a popular TV series in 2011, shown in more than 60 countries. An endearing nursery game is beautifully revitalized in this comforting, sleepy-time picture book. . . . There’s not a wrong note in this tender tale, which should become an endearing bedtime favorite — right up there with Goodnight Moon. Introduce your little ones to cuddly companions with our range of teddy bears and soft toys. Keep the snuggly toys beside them during their bedtime or let them enjoy hours of imaginative play, our selection of stuffed animals can be wonderful mates they’ll love to spend time with.
The perfect bedtime story for sleepy little ones. Sam McBratney's soft, repetitive text is reminiscent of classic tales by Margaret Wise Brown (Goodnight Moon, The Runaway Bunny). . . . Anita Jeram's watercolor renderings of this endearing pair add sweet humor to a finely crafted book. At its core, because the story is about love, this is a great book for teaching little ones how to express their love and why it is important to tell people you love them. First: yes, in the beginning is the word. The words are simple, direct, and true. The words came first.What she was saying was what I later came to believe: it’s as difficult to write a fine picture book, one that stands out from the crowd, as it is to write a fine novel.
If we were to consider the educational themes, and how wonderful this book works between parent and child, or teacher and child… Little Nutbrown Hare and his father, Big Nutbrown Hare, have what at first glance seems like a love competition in this sweet reassurance tale from Northern Irish author Sam McBratney and English illustrator Anita Jeram. As the younger hare declares his love, only to be continually outdone by his elder - "I love you as high as I can reach," the son says, but his father can reach higher - it gradually emerges that the two are enacting a bedtime ritual in which their mutual love is reaffirmed, all while the elder tacitly signals his protection, and the younger his admiration.
Become a Member
Featuring familiar characters, these toys are suitable options as gifts for their birthday and Christmas too. We have a special selection of gifts to bring in some magic this festive season. Our little Rudolph soft toy and Santa’s Express train set are excellent Christmas toys to make their festive season extra cheerful. Keep it under the tree or dress up as Santa to deliver it to them personally, our festive toys will help them make memories for life. If I were to ask you what the most popular children’s board book was in my Little Free Library Shed would you know the answer? Of course, you would, because you are reading the review right now! The Gabby's Dollhouse range offers various toys and playsets creating joyful scenarios with Gabby and her friends. Along with the dollhouse sets, they also offer additional arts, crafts and electronic toys your children will love playing with. Keeping the child’s development in mind, our selection of baby toys is sure to spark their imagination. Explore our sensory toys from brands like Fisher Price and adaptable designs like the 4-in-1 Little Tikes. They feature melodies, lights and textures that are designed to cater to every stage of growth, whilst having hours of fun. Planning to gift your little one the toys they’ve been eyeing? Look out for our Boxing Day sales to get your hands on everything they’d wish for without breaking the bank. The seed for Guess How Much I Love Youwas planted during a conversation between Sam M cBratney and his editor Caroline Royds, at Walker Books. Sam explains how it all began...
The perfect bedtime story for sleepy little ones. Sam McBratney’s soft, repetitive text is reminiscent of classic tales by Margaret Wise Brown (Goodnight Moon, The Runaway Bunny). . . . Anita Jeram’s watercolor renderings of this endearing pair add sweet humor to a finely crafted book. If your child is fascinated with plush pets, then one of our Scruff a Luvs toys are a great choice for them. With various mystery boxes, they’ll love the idea of getting a surprise pet. For your tiny tots, our selection of plush toys from Squishmallows is an adorable choice to play and sleep with. Super squishy and soft, these toys will keep your child busy during those long drives, sleepovers and even movie nights. The original Guess How Much I Love You book is the perfect bedtime story for babies and pre-schoolers and is one of the most popular presents for new babies. There are also plenty of other books to explore featuring the Guess How Much I Love you bunny, including board books introducing colours and counting and seasonal adventures for Little Nutbrown Hare. The heart-warming story has not only been read at countless bedtimes, it has also inspired many adults with quotes being used at wedding ceremonies or on Valentine’s Day and many Guess How Much I Love You gifts featuring the two hares. The universal message at the centre of the book, that love is too great to measure, makes it resonate with all kinds of people, at every age.Little Nutbrown Hare asks Big Nutbrown Hare the title question, Guess how much I love you?, and the book continues as the two use larger and larger measures to quantify how much they love each other in answer to the question. An endearing nursery game is beautifully revitalized in this comforting, sleepy-time picture book. . . . There's not a wrong note in this tender tale, which should become an endearing bedtime favorite — right up there with Goodnight Moon.
Great Deal 
New Comment