Guess How Much I Love You

McBrantey, S. (1995). Guess how much I love you. New York:  Candlewick P.

I received this book as a shower gift from a former college professor.  I had heard of the book and knew that it has been on several lists for best children books.  After reading it, I completely understand why.


Guess How Much I Love You is such a simple yet touching story.  I love the interaction between Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare.  Their relationship is so simple, but never fully explained.  It could a relationship between a father and son, older and younger brother, uncle and nephew, grandfather and grandson, etc.  It is wonderful to see a story about a male figure rather than a female figure as the adult.  Don't get me wrong, I love books about mothers, but I don't fathers get enough credit.

The artwork is simple yet beautiful as well.  The size difference between the two Nutbrown Hares is definitely emphasized as the story progresses.  The colors and lines are used to create a calming tone.

My favorite line of the book is most definitely the last.  Throughout the picture book, the two hares have an "argument" but who loves whom the most.  Just when the Little Nutbrown Hare and the audience think that he has won and has fallen asleep, the Big Nutbrown Hare responds with "I love you to the moon and back."  The simplicity in the line is absolutely beautiful.  A parent figure should always love the child whole heartedly; however, most children don't know just how much they are loved.  Guess How Much I Love You proves this thought.


I can definitely relate to Guess How Much I Love You as a parent.  I had no idea how much you could love a person until I saw my son.  I always knew I would love my children, and I have loved Brody from the moment that he was created.  But the line "to the moon and back" really does describe how much love I have for him.  I love him differently that I have ever loved anyone before.  I know most parents feel this way as well.

Guess How Much I Love You is a great story for children.  It is no wonder that it has sparked several other stories and a television show capturing the times of Big and Little Nutbrown Hares.  Although, none of the others are as touching as Guess How Much I Love You.