By: Thomas S. Marquez

In a world filled with distractions and fleeting moments, the essence of love can sometimes feel elusive. Still, love remains central to the human experience, a force that unites and shapes our lives. It is the most profound and fundamental emotion that transcends differences, bringing people together in powerful, often surprising ways, shaping connections that last. Through love, we learn to understand each other, to forgive, and to move forward together, creating lasting bonds.

This enduring truth is at the heart of Love Is…, a beautifully crafted children’s book by Frederick and Simone Canteen, which offers a reflection and a thoughtful guide for understanding love in its simplest, most genuine forms.

A Story That Speaks to All Ages

Through the eyes of young Caleb, readers are invited into a gentle conversation with his mother. Caleb’s curiosity about love sparks a series of heartwarming lessons, each grounded in familiar moments that are both relatable and meaningful. From tending to strawberry plants with patience to admitting a mistake with courage, Love Is… depicts love not as an abstract ideal but as a practical and attainable virtue. It shows that love is not always grand gestures but is often found in small, sincere actions, which ultimately create deeper emotional connections.

The book serves as a valuable resource for parents, offering an opportunity to teach and model love for their children. For educators, it becomes a tool that integrates storytelling with important educational values. And for children, it presents a tale that brings comfort, encouragement, and inspiration.

Lessons That Stay With You

What makes Love Is… stand out is its ability to turn abstract concepts like kindness, humility, and forgiveness into relatable experiences. Each chapter unfolds in a way that highlights the various facets of love:

• Patience: Caleb learns to wait for strawberries to grow, realizing that love often requires time and care.
• Kindness: Helping a fallen bird return to its nest teaches Caleb—and readers—the power of gentleness.
• Humility: By encouraging his cousin in a game, Caleb demonstrates how love can lift others without needing recognition.

These lessons extend beyond childhood; they are reminders for adults, too, offering an opportunity to reflect on how love can positively influence our actions.

A Celebration of Everyday Acts

At its core, Love Is… celebrates the small, everyday acts that strengthen families and communities. It’s a book that doesn’t lecture, but rather, subtly guides, showing that love is present in the quiet moments—a bedtime story, a helping hand, a sincere apology. It emphasizes the importance of consistency and mindfulness in our everyday interactions, encouraging both children and adults to focus on the small details that contribute to a life filled with love.

With the holiday season approaching, Love Is… feels particularly relevant. This book offers a chance to pause, reconnect, and nurture the most meaningful relationships. Whether shared as a bedtime read or gifted to a family in need of encouragement, this book holds the potential to inspire lasting seeds of love that could grow for generations. Consider pre-ordering your copy today!