*I’d Know You Anywhere My Love by Nancy Tillman (2013) is simply one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read. Her illustrations are stunning works of art. The premise and rhyme of the text flow gently as a lullaby. She explains on the first page that this is a story about being “different one day” without any risk of becoming unrecognizable. How do you rhyme rhinoceros? Here it is: “If one day we’re walking and talking, just us, when you’re abracadabra, a rhinoceros. . .” Tillman’s illustration is a woman smiling down at a young, gray, (cute?) rhino. The woman is not appalled, not judgmental, nor frightened. Her unconditional love is obvious in her expression and open palmed gesture. Successive pages highlight Tillman's artistry. They include paintings of furry animals and feathery birds. Children change daily, even hourly. This story assures them that strict adherence to a prescribed persona is not required to receive a parent’s (or caregiver’s) love. This book is the perfect gift for a young child.
