I Am Love: A Book of Compassion
Susan Verde, Author
Peter H. Reynolds, Illustrator
Abrams Books for Young Readers, Fiction, Sep. 17, 2019
Suitable for Ages: 3-7
Themes: Love, Compassion, Empathy, Gratitude, Kindness, Mindfulness
Opening: I put my hands on my heart and listen. And that is where I find the answer: I have compassion. I act with tenderness. I am love.
Book Synopsis:
Love means showing kindness, living with gratitude, and taking care of our minds and bodies. Letting our hearts lead the way can help move us closer to a better world.
Grounded in mindfulness and wellness, I Am Love asks readers to look inward when they feel afraid, angry, hurt, or sad. When a storm is brewing inside us and the skies grow dark, the transformative power of love lets the light back in.
Why I like this book:
Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds uplifting book will leave a smile in your heart. It celebrates love in all its forms and encourages readers to develop empathy and compassion towards others. Love is ever present when you help an older neighbor, listen with understanding, give a hug, face a fear and take care of yourself. The message is sincere and heartwarming.
Reynolds’ colorful illustrations have his trademark whimsical appeal and will resonate with children. They are expressive watercolors and contribute to the books celebratory mood. I love the yoga poses that emphasize self-care and wholeness throughout the story.
I Am Love, is the fourth book in the I Am Books, from this bestselling team that created I Am Yoga, I Am Peace and I Am Human.
Resources: There is an Author’s Note and a page of Heart-Opening Yoga poses that will help children learn to “lead with our hearts by opening and expanding the front of the body.” These activities can be done at home or in school.
*Reviewed from a library copy.
Children's Books Heal 
This series of books is just outstanding. I truly feel they are utterly universal-for the youngest child to the oldest adult!
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I agree with you. When we started writing, I’m not sure publishers were interested in a series like this — boy has that changed in the past 5-6 years. These are timely and important books because they speak to inner truths about how we treat and want to be treated — kindness, love, compassion and inclusiveness.
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I love the whole “I Am” series! I created special yoga story times with the 4 books: we read the book, do comprehension activities and then a yoga practice inspired by the book. The whole workshop is for children learning English as a foreign language.
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Thank you for sharing! What you’ve done with the series is inspiring and so important. We are living in a different world now and it is so important to give children coping skills and inspire them to treat others with love and compassion.
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These Susan Verde books are wonderful. I use them in my library story time all the time.
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I am delighted that you are sharing all of her “I AM” books because the need it so great. Best to start young!
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Perfect choice for Valentine’s Day! This pair as certainly found their “sweet spot,” haven’t they?
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I wanted to give this book and the series a little more book love and Valentine’s Day seemed perfect!
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I love these books by Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds and this one is a perfect choice for Valentine’s Day.
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Yes, I thought it was perfect for Valentine’s Day and a timely share with all that is going on in our world. Can’t start early enough to teach children about love, kindness, compassion and inclusion.
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Everyone in the world should read this one. Thanks for introducing it to me.
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Yes, and I am sure that it is being printed in other languages. So many of Verde and Reynold’s books are!
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We doggies are born this way. We love love and compassion and mindfulness. What a great idea for a kiddie book. The sooner the better for awareness of this way of living.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
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Love and licks back! Our pets live love and compassion daily!
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What a lovely concept for a children’s picture book! The opening is beautiful.
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I’m pleased you enjoyed Susan’s book! Thank you for visiting!
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Oh Patricia I liked – I Am Love: I love “Children’s Books Heal” and the fact that we walked the same path.
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Thank you for your kind words. Seemed like the perfect day to give this book and series some more book love.
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This sounds like a perfect picture book on everyone’s coffee table no matter their age!
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Yes, I agree. This book truly is ageless. It will open up so many conversations between parent – child – grandparents – teachers.
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I LOVE these collaborations! Great choice for Valentine’s Day!
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I love their collaborative work too! Yes, I wanted to share something timely!
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Pingback: I Am Love: A Book of Compassion by Susan Verde — Children’s Books Heal – Bev K. Taylor's
Thank you for sharing!
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This book sounds gorgeous, Patricia. Thanks for sharing.
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It is a beautiful book — the entire series. Susan Verde is very assessible and someone you may be interested in interviewing.
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Thank you, Patricia. I’ll keep her in mind. 🙂
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