Guess how Much I Love You

Sam McBratney's 1994 picture book is one of those rare children's titles that earns its classic status honestly. Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare take turns trying to measure their love — stretched-wide arms, up to the moon, down to the river and back — until the little one drifts to sleep mid-game. Anita Jeram's warm watercolor illustrations match the gentle rhythm perfectly. Forty-three million copies sold and fifty-seven languages speak for themselves. The honest caveat, if you can call it that, is that there is almost no plot — it's a single tender exchange repeated with escalation. That's the whole point, and for bedtime it's perfect, but parents looking for a longer story arc should supplement with something else.