I Love You the Purplest by Barbara M. Joosse

I Love You the Purplest Reviews

• 
  Cheryl

  I'm not sure all children experience sibling rivalry, and I definitely don't know how many actually raise the question directly to their parent... but if yours do, check this book out on openlibrary.org!
• 
  Kathryn

  Sweet story of how a mother's love for her children can be equal but different. Draws forth the qualities that makes each child unique and how the mother loves those aspects "best" in each child, but loves both children with equal strength and attachment. A touching and thoughtful story with a fun, loving and clever mother (I thought it was great that she goes fishing with her boys) and great for competitive siblings who might wonder who mom or dad loves most!
• 
  Daniel

  This book is destined to be a long-lived classic.
  
  The illustrations are wonderful watercolors that would stand alone as beautiful paintings.
  
  The story is perfect. Anyone who has more than one child can understand and appreciate. Since the first time we read this, my wife and I still refer to it when we kiss the children goodnight. Sometimes we use the examples in this book ("I love you the bluest" "I love you the redest") and sometimes we make up our own.
  
  And on top of all this, there is also a nice element of teaching colors ... the color purple is never mentioned in the book, so why is it called "I Love You the Purplest"?
  
  Wonderful, wonderful.
• 
  Sarah Frobisher

  I actually snuck-read this book when I was sorting the Scholastic order last night. I loved it! This book displays how a mother can love both her children- who are nothing alike- to the same degree. Her sons are competing for their mothers attention and love during a fishing trip one day, and the mother is able to pull out and focus on their individual strengths and tell them how they are both special in their own way. One son is much more reserved and focused, and the mother explains how she loves that about him; while her other son is more impulsive and carefree and she loves him for that as well. It is a heartwarming story of the unconditional love of a mother for her children.
• 
  Jana

  This book is one of the reasons I chose the name Max for my second child. I had a first child who was so easy and calm that I knew my second had to be the opposite. A few years ago a friend of mine found this book and changed all the Julians to Carters so when we read this book it is Carter and Max. Perfect!!
• 
  Shayne

  Love this book having a sister who is very different from me and two boys of my own, I can understand how the mother loves them equally but differently. Even though I know I am my parents favorite child! :)
• 
  Barbara

  More than twenty years after it was first published in its original format in 1996, this board book version of a classic is still just as relevant as it was back then. Sunny watercolor illustrations complement a story of unconditional love. As two boys and their mother go fishing, each child tries to outdo the other. The questions Max and Julian ask might seem to be easy to answer on the surface, but it's clear that both boys are seeking reassurance of their mother's love. When they return home and are being tucked in, first, Julian and then Max wonder who she loves best. This mother is no fool, and she provides just the perfect answer. All three of them are able to sleep well that night, safe and secure in the knowledge that they love and are loved by those around them.
• 
  Stacy Leicht

  This book has been on my shelf for many years. As a mother, I read the book to my two children because their personalities were similar to the characters in the book. As an educator, I used to read this book to my students and ask them to create a poem about someone they loved based on colors that described the personality of that person. Then, we would use watercolors to create paintings to go along with the poetry for our loved ones. When the students presented their gifts, they were overjoyed and proud of themselves. This book will always have a special place in my heart!
  
  I can't remember the date I started reading it, but there will not be an ending date because I'll read it to my grandchildren and other littles in my life.
• 
  Seth Schleicher

  Book Title: I Love You the Purplest
  Author/Illustrator: Mary Whyte
  Reading Level: 3.4
  
  Book Level: O
  
  Book Summary: Two brothers create a rivalry over their mother’s love. The mother uses creative examples to respond to both boys in different ways she loves them.
  
  Bookshelf Mentor Writing Traits:
  
  Word choice:
  Students will make lists of different colors and then write items or objects that are those colors in each list. They will be provided with a list of colorful imagery, which uses rich language examples, in order to think about the importance of thoughtful color imagery. Students will create a poem about colors using a guided template.
• 
  Abby Ambrose

  Lexile: 600L
  DRA: 34
  Six Traits: Sentence Fluency
  My mom used to read this book to me a lot when I was a kid. I remember loving the way the sentences read out loud, and the idea that my mom could love both of my siblings as equally, but differently, than me. What a beautiful book!
• 
  Heidi

  My girls and I read this when they were struggling with "whose your favorite," now our routine at night I say to them both is "I love you the purplest," and its the sweetest tradition. So grateful for this book when we needed it.
• 
  Shobana

  How to answer the question “who do you love the most”?
  Practical way to answer such tough questions without causing jealousy. A must read for all parents ☺️ and any one who deal with more than one kid!!
• 
  Emily Griswold Bunty

  A book that gently handles rivalry between siblings and showcases a parent’s unconditional love.
  
  Beautiful watercolor illustrations! Their use of light, and expressions in the boys’ and mothers faces convert so much tender emotion.
• 
  L.A.

  Super helpful message for my 3-year-old! I’m not sure about the “purplest” part though—and I do understand red and blue make purple. Some other title may have been more effective for children; especially since my toddler likes purple, and this book isn’t about purple really.
• 
  Chloe Bolduc

  This book is wonderful as it shows the competition that children typically feel towards each other, especially between siblings, and the sweet reactions from the mother show how there are always unique qualities to be celebrated.
• 
  Steph

  I want to be fair. I am not a parent, but this is super corny to me. Maybe if I ever have a child I will come back to edit my review. =)
• 
  Shaye Miller

  Beautifully written story of the love a mother holds for her two children. The framable illustrations are rendered in watercolor.
• 
  Celebrilomiel

  2.5 stars
• 
  Paige Maddy

  I love how in this book the mom points out the value of her two sons as individuals.
• 
  Linda

  A mother takes her two sons fishing, then at bedtime tells each boy how much she loves him, using colors and beautiful images. Wonderful watercolor paintings by Mary Whyte.
• 
  Colorado Buck

  this is a classic. the 2 kidsare fighting about who the mom will like the most / better. she comes up with a clever reply for both of them each time.
• 
  Mary-carol Riehs

  I love this book so much. How can you explain to those you love that they are all your "favorite"? That, unlike old Facebook, there's no Top 5? Read this gentle, insightful book.
• 
  Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams

  I love the concept in this book that we each have our own different styles and talents and we are each loved for being us.
• 
  Vera-Michele

  4/5
  
  Working in a school has me reading all kinds of children's books. I really did enjoy this one. I had to use it for a lesson in metaphors.