I’LL LOVE YOU TILL THE COWS COME HOME.

Written by Kathryn Cristaldi. Illustrated by Kristyna Litten. Harper. $17.99.

“I will love you till the cows come home from a trip to Mars through skies unknown in a rocket ship made of glass and stone. I will love you till the cows come home.” Thus, Cristaldi plays with a trite old phrase, imagining animals going places in many ways and doing different and inventive things. Yaks eat snacks in Cadillacs. Sheep set sail past manatees and a humpback whale. Wolves in hot air balloons worry the pigs. Frogs ride bikes and play violins. Deer dance while geese eat gourmet s’mores and ants in tiny hats with tiny grins gobble cake. All have someone waiting at home with the reassuring message of steadfast love. Litten’s illustrations have a folksy charm to them. The animals are simply drawn, but have expressive faces, even the fish! Lively double-page spreads show lots of action as the animals venture away from home. The muted color palette is enhanced with pops of orange, red and purple. This is a satisfying book to share with that special child on your lap. The repeating pattern, rhyme, and inner chime make it especially fun to read aloud.