Since my son was a baby, I’ve been singing to him the same song my mom used to sing to me when I was little. I have no idea where it originated, but the words go like this: “I’ll be loving you, always. With a love that’s true, always. When the things you plan, need a helping hand, I will understand, always…I’ll be loving you, always. Not for just an hour, not for just a day, not for just a week, but always.”

When I was given the opportunity to review the new children’s book, Always, by Ann Stott, that song immediately came to mind. I just knew the book was going to be as sweet as that song, and it is. With delightful words by Stott and whimsical illustrations by Matt Phelan, Always teaches our kids that we love them no matter what. Whether they eat all their peas, or don’t, whether they are gentle…or aren’t, and even when they ruin their brand new shoes.

Almost exactly a year ago, I had a conversation with my son about how I still loved his sister even after I spoke sternly to her.

“Why don’t you love Sophie?” he asked me then. Although I patiently explained to him that Mommy always loves him and Sophie even when they disobey, I’m thankful for tools like Always that help me underscore that truth! Somehow, it means more to him when he sees an illustration and hears the story of a little boy a lot like him whose Mommy loves him no matter what.

So, I love Always by Ann Stott. It’s sure to be a staple around our house for years to come. For more great favorites, check out Things I Love Thursday at the Diaper Diaries.