I Love You (Nearly Always)

The expression "opposites attract" is much used to describe relationships, and I can't think of a better summary for the subject matter of Llenas's new book I Love You (Nearly Always), published by Templar.

This is a funny and engaging read that encourages younger children to think about emotions (I can think of many adults who might benefit from this too). Anna Llenas uses a wide range of illustrative techniques to make reading the book a much more active experience - there are pop-up pictures, pull/lift-the-flaps and other little surprises, such as an actual tiny book of complaints to read, that little fingers will love. The architecture of the book is clever and, boy, is it BIG - even including a mini-scene with real bunting and string. I was amazed at the amount of work that went into this, and the young children I shared it with couldn't stop playing with the pages.
As with most stories aimed at children, I Love You (Nearly Always) has a message, a moral. However, no one likes being lectured to, and in this story, we're not. We're seeing that, while being different can cause arguments, it can also bring enrichment into our lives. And also - it's OK to argue sometimes! To suggest that life should always be peaceful is untrue - it's the making-up that matters.
Llenas's almost frenetic artwork suit this subject matter perfectly, especially when Roly and Rita are at war with one another; the dark, almost violent crayon lines express anger and movement exceptionally well. The entire book feels full of life and fun and will be appreciated by any child who picks this up.

* Childtastic Books *
Anna Llenas' last book with Templar, The Colour Monster, was a wonderful exploration of human emotion. Now she's back with another joyously inventive pop-up book about love that's as visually playful as it gloriously heartfelt. -- Hannah Beckerman * Huffington Post *
The wonderfully engineered pop-ups are the outstanding feature of this book - I think children (and adults) will be so mesmerised by these superb creations that they may forget to read the story, so once you have enjoyed the wonderful pop-ups and clever combination of pictures and child-like drawings, make sure you enjoy the story too! * Parents in Touch *
This wonderful pop-up book from the author of The Colour Monster is a celebration of friendship and differences. Magical illustrations really bring this to life. * Green Parent *
Roly is a woodlouse and Rita is a firefly. Can they be friends despite all their differences? An extraordinary feat of paper engineering full of pop ups and fold outs that will amaze. It involves the children in this thoughtfully written story that clearly demonstrates the possibilities of friendships with others who are different to themselves. Perfect for group discussion about acceptance and understanding even if you don't always agree! -- Zoe James-Williams * Drawing On Books/ South Wales Evening Post *

This is the sort of delightful book that Charlotte seizes with a delighted "WHOOP!"...
"I Love You Nearly Always" by Anna Llenas is one of the most delightfully engineered children's books we've seen this year.

It's a typical 'friendship' tale on the surface, the cosy little story of a woodlouse and his best friend firefly.

Though the two are very different, they're still firm friends.

As you open the book you begin to see why it's so special. Glorious pop-up pages are intermixed with the story meaning that busy little hands will love acting out the tale as it (literally) unfolds before your eyes.

Anna's art style, a mix of fab scribbly drawings and collage work really does stand out on the bookstands but truly it's the fantastic paper engineering that has gone into this that wins us over.

We love a book that offers something different, particularly when it's dealing with a subject that has pretty much been mined out in children's picture books lately.

Utterly entrancing and fantastic, what more can we say other than get out and get a copy right this minute!

Charlotte's best bit: The amazing pop-ups really are impressive (her favourite spreads are the interactive ones)

Daddy's favourite bit: A brilliant way to bring a fun and original idea to a story trope that we've seen a lot of in recent months, a friendship book that uses brilliant art and design to feel wholly original and fantastical. It's another winner from Templar!

* Read it Daddy *

The concept of sorting out
differences is beautifully
explored in this kookily
illustrated book about learning to live with - and even
love - each other's flaws. Roly and Rita's differences
seem exciting to each other at first, but after a while,
they become downright irritating. From the author of
The Colour Monster, join them on an uplifting journey
of discovery about loving people the way they are.

* Smallish Magazine *

Roly is a woodlouse and Rita is a
firefly. They are very different, but
this is why they like each other. A clever pop-up book destined to
become a family favourite

* Baby Magazi