I'll Love You Till the Cows Come Home

In a crowded genre, this zany title is out standing in its field—along with the cows.

Cristaldi (Baseball Ballerina) takes a familiar expression and develops it into a melodic bedtime story. The cows of the title begin in an idyllic pasture but soon blast into outer space: "I will love you till the cows come home/ from a trip to Mars through skies unknown." Silly circumstances ensue--sailing sheep, wolves in hot air balloons, and frogs on big-wheeled bikes escalate the idea throughout ("In a circus for sea horses,/ shrimp,/ and bass./ I will love you till the frogs ride past"). Litten illustrates the animals' exuberant adventures in a sweet, non-naturalistic style, with muted colors and sharp backgrounds that grow cozy as the cows and all of the other adventuring animals make their way home and to bed: "I'll love you till then, and again and again,/ till my love makes a bed for the cows in their pen."Ages 4-8. (Dec.)

PreS-Gr 1--This rhyming narrative teaches children the comforting lesson that love is eternal. Utilizing the old adage "Till the cows come home," Cristaldi takes a variety of animals and puts them in outlandish situations. The opening pages show adorable cows on a rocket ship with the accompanying text; "I will love you till the cows come home--from a trip to Mars through skies unknown in a rocket ship made of glass and stone. I will love you till the cows come home." The proceeding pages are filled with yaks driving a fire truck, deer in a tap dancing contest, wolves in hot air balloons and much more. The narration then transitions into bedtime mode with the gentle reminder that "I will love you till then, and again and again, till my love makes a bed for the cows in their pen..." and viewers see all the animals from the previous adventures settling down for a good night's sleep. Litten's illustrations are whimsical and boisterous. VERDICT A cozy book with a message that is familiar to all and tailor-made for one-on-one sharing. An optional purchase for larger collections or for those looking to expand their cozy nighttime reads.--Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, MI