I've been searching for a copy of this book since last year after a blog friend mentioned it in passing in one of her posts. Luckily, I spied one copy left last night at the bookstore and immediately grabbed it. I do wish it had been the pop-up version but it's still a gorgeous little book with a most beautiful story that's perfect for Jeolo's bedtime reading.
The story is about a young bunny named Little Nutbrown Hare and his indulgent parent, Big Nutbrown Hare, who's actually the dad. Since their names are such a mouthful, I changed the names to Jeolo Bunny and Mama Bunny to make it easier for my son to understand while I read it to him.
The little bunny is searching for words to tell his parent just how much he loves him and starts out by asking, "Guess how much I love you?" His parent says he probably couldn't guess it and the little one replies with his arms stretched as wide as possible, "This much."
Daddy bunny then ups the ante by spreading his much longer arms and say, "But I love YOU this much."
The game goes on and on as the little one tries to outdo his dad until he finally becomes very sleepy. But before he finally slumbers off, he manages to come up with the sweetest and dearest line for his dad: "I love you right up to the moon."
His dad then settles him into his bed of leaves, leans over and kisses him good night. After the little bunny is fast asleep, he then whispers: "I love you right up to the moon -- and back."
I love how this story affirms a parent's everlasting love for his child. And I love that Jeolo and I now have a new game to play right before he dozes off at night which also helps strengthen the message of how much we love each other.
Tonight it will be Dada's turn to read this to him. :rainbow
Mood Music: Brahms' Lullaby by Jewel