Time to Say I Love You

When is the best time to say ‘I love you’? The story begins on the title page with a small child peeping through bedroom curtains, in a log cabin beside the sea. Next, we see the child at Mum’s bedside (the clock says 7am) and soon the two are striding towards the sea. A perfect day follows, and still the question is posed as the pair chase waves across the sand, climb up the hill beside the sea, rest in the tall grass, paint pictures in the clouds, then dash homewards in the rain. There is a carefree intimacy evoked in all the illustrations – hot drinks and a cuddle beside the wood-burner, sandals drying on the hearth amidst a tumble of collected shells. When is the best time? Right now, with a goodnight kiss – I LOVE YOU! And the child falls instantly asleep, with a smile on her lips. Perfect.