Together: A First Conversation About Love (First Conversations)

Children are “born ready to love,” but that doesn’t mean the concept isn’t complicated!

Wisely starting with the most intimate first relationship—a cozy newborn being cuddled by a caregiver—the authors of this inclusive book scaffold outward to more complicated relationships. Love of

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pets, people, and pizza are described dynamically, and constant open-ended questions like “who do you love?” invite readers to tie it back to their own lives. Branching into romantic love, the authors name examples of adult relationships, with special attention paid to the oft-glossed-over LGBTQ+ community. Tonally, the frank, unflowery text works especially well here, with enough information to be clear without overwhelming. The book doesn’t shy away from depicting love as challenging—one page portrays children fighting over toys. This is also the rare book that acknowledges that some children lack love and family. The text briefly but poignantly notes that “people in power have made unfair rules about who can love each other and who can be a family.” But by closing with an actionable ministory about a community that changes a Father’s Day event to an inclusive family day, Madison and Ralli remind readers that “we’re building that world together.” Joy and inclusion abound in digital illustrations, with a raucous wedding attended by people of various ethnicities, gender expressions, and abilities. Comprehensive backmatter can facilitate deeper discussions. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Many caregivers will appreciate this concise, useful, and ultimately hopeful conversation starter. (Board book. 2-6)

-Kirkus Review

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