You’ll Always Be My Chickadee
You’ll Always Be My Chickadee
Field of flowers, mountain air,
Gather blossoms for our hair.
Play until your shadow grows.
You’ll always be my wild rose.
You'll Always Be My Chickadee captures the love and wishes a mother has for her young child. Through writing about a day from morning wake-up to nightfall, the picture book depicts the mother and child spending every moment together, enjoying life amidst nature. From waking to the birds' singing, planting vegetables, playing in the forest, walking to the river, frolicking in the water, tending to animals, admiring flowers and butterflies, to journeying home on the mother's back, and finally, going to bed while listening to a bedtime story, each moment is imbued with the mother's love for her child, offering readers a glimpse into the joy of seeing a child grow surrounded by the world's natural beauty.
The author, Kate Hosford, uses rhyming text to narrate an ordinary day shared between a mother and her child, yet it resonates with a peaceful and blessed message of love. As a new mom to a one-year-old son, I find this simple yet profound story deeply moving. It's my hope that all parents and caregivers cherish these precious moments with their young ones. The book beautifully conveys the unconditional love parents have for their children, wishing for them to grow up in a safe environment and lead healthy, happy lives.Canadian illustrator Sarah Gonzales brings the story to life with vibrant colours using watercolors, pencil crayons, and gouache, creating calm, peaceful, and lovely depictions of a child's growth journey. The illustrations perfectly complement the story, showing the profound satisfaction and contentment the mother and child feel in each other's company.
Yina Liu is a doctoral student in language and literacy at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta.