Module 1 - I Already Know I Love You

Crystal, Billy. (2004). I Already Know I Love You. New York: HarperCollins.

SUMMARY

A story about the dreams of a grandfather upon hearing his daughter is having a baby. The grandfather looks forward to all the fun a grandparent can have from fishing, to reading and playing games with his grandchildren.

PERSONAL IMPRESSION

Although a thoughtful book about an exciting time for any grandparent, I thought it was a little cheesy. As I connect to the anticipation of a new baby, I have not been there from the grandparent side but from the daughter and daughter-in-law side of the coin. The excitement of sharing in new moments with the new baby is very sweet and thoughtful but my initial thoughts were, "When do the parents get to do things for the first time? You had your turn, let the parents have their's!" However, looking at it in a more open-minded manner I realize that grandparents are probably as excited as the parents when a baby is on the way and this book expresses that sentiment perfectly.

REVIEW

Topol, Martha. Rev. of I Already Know I Love You, by Billy Crystal. School Library Journal 1 June   2004.

PreS-K-As a grandfather-to-be anticipates the birth of his grandchild, he expresses excitement for all of the special moments and activities he can't wait to share: bear hugs, the ocean, a Yankees game, a movie. The rhyming text is basic and yet effective. Crystal manages to come across as sincere rather than sappy so that the special nature of this intergenerational relationship shines through. As the narrator imagines the future, the soft pastel art depicts the baby nestled snuggly in Grandpa's arms. Other pictures show the wide-eyed red-headed child getting older, her grandpa and a fuzzy stuffed monkey by her side. The longevity and importance of this family relationship is thus visually supported and celebrated. After readers see and hear about all of the enjoyable events that will occur, the book comes full circle and ends with the birth of the child, "Get ready, little sweet one-/your life will be just great./I'm going to be your grandpa, and-/I can hardly wait."

SUGGESTION FOR LIBRARY USE

A suggestion for use in the library would be a story time with grandparents and their grandchildren with a craft afterward of making a book together.