Book Review: Guess How Much I Love You (1994)

Why must love be a competition?

Review: ★★★ (3/5)

This book, written by Sam McBratney and illustrated by Anita Jeram, has become a staple on many children’s bookshelves and it’s clear why. The story of the two Nutbrown Hares underscores rightful place (Luvmour, 2006) in its emphasis on the immeasurability of love. For young children, its repetition and predictable plot patterns are inroads for engagement and meaning-making. Therefore, while the story is simple, it is likely powerful.

Where the story falls short is in its portrayal of love as a competition and its failure to culminate in the acceptance of both child and parent’s love to exist without comparison. Ultimately, the story is enjoyable but likely “quieting” (Whitelaw, 2017) with Big Nutbrown Hare getting the last word, which feels unnecessarily domineering, though the charming intent is not lost.