IF I COULD

A raccoon mother croons a gentle ode to her cherished child in this heartfelt offering from Milord. The title becomes the refrain by which a mother lovingly delineates how she would order the world for her child’s contentment. Midway through, a subtle alteration in the verses serves to emphasize the mother’s boundless enchantment with her offspring: “You are the song. / You are the light— / a treat and a treasure / a joy and delight.” Denise’s acrylic-and-charcoal illustrations are an ideal combination of soft edges and sumptuous hues. Utilizing both full-page spreads and smaller vignettes, the affecting paintings illuminate the devotion between mother and child. The simple verses make up for any brevity with the depth of emotion they express. This cozy, comforting tale is a perfect fit for toddlers, who yearn to know they are the center of their loved one’s universe. (Picture Book. 2-6)