I Love You! A Bushel & A Peck
on Goodreads (160)
What’s inside...
A picture book based on a song from the musical 'Guys and Dolls.' The book illustrates the lyrics of the song, which include phrases such as 'A bushel! And a peck! A barrel! And a heap!'; Mutual affection grows between two flirty ducklings as they bill and coo around the farmyard in Rosemary Wells's young and sassy interpretation of a beloved Frank Loesser song. This calls for hugs around the neck while reading, so be sure to share it with someone special.
Age
2-4
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mother Hen
Discussion points
How does the song 'I Love You! A Bushel & A Peck' show different ways to express love?
What are some of the ways you like to show your love to others?
Why do you think hugs and pecks are used as measures of love in the story?
Can you think of a time when someone showed you they loved you a lot? How did they show it?
What's your favorite part of the song and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading the book, discuss with your child what a 'bushel' and a 'peck' are. Explain that they are playful measures of how much someone can be loved.
Encourage your child to think about expressions of love they are familiar with, and share some of your own family expressions or traditions.
As you read, emphasize the loving gestures and expressions in the illustrations. Ask your child what they notice and how it makes them feel.
After reading, take turns with your child singing the song, or create a fun dance together that reflects the joyful expressions of love in the book.
Use the book as an opportunity to express your own love for your child, reinforcing the message that love can be shown in countless ways.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Expression of Love
Explanation: The repetitive and lyrical phrases in 'I Love You! A Bushel & A Peck' demonstrate the importance of expressing love openly and frequently.
Real-World Application: Children learn to verbalize their affection towards family and friends, fostering stronger emotional bonds.
Example Lesson: Consistency in Affection
Explanation: The consistent and playful way love is shown in the book teaches children about the reliability of a caregiver's affection.
Real-World Application: This helps children feel secure and valued, knowing they are consistently loved regardless of circumstances.
Example Lesson: Joy in Simple Interactions
Explanation: The joy and silliness expressed through the story and illustrations encourage a love for simple, everyday interactions.
Real-World Application: Children can find happiness in daily activities and learn to appreciate the small moments with loved ones.
Example Lesson: Rhythmic Language for Cognitive Development
Explanation: The rhythmic and rhyming nature of the text helps in the development of auditory skills and language acquisition.
Real-World Application: Engaging with the rhythmic text can enhance children’s linguistic abilities and their understanding of phonetic patterns.
Example Lesson: Building Reading Confidence
Explanation: The simple text and repetitive structure of the book make it accessible for early readers, boosting their confidence.
Real-World Application: Children can practice their reading skills in a supportive, enjoyable context, which encourages ongoing literacy development.