Thank you to Zonderkidz and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All thoughts are my own.

Love-a-by is a gentle bedtime lullaby that celebrates the ordinary moments of raising a little one—the messy meals, bath time giggles, morning walks, cozy cuddles, and even the tiny challenges that become treasured memories.

The rhythmic, repetitive text makes this a wonderful read-aloud for babies and toddlers, while the soft, colorful illustrations are bright, inviting, and easy for little readers to follow. Each spread highlights familiar childhood experiences through adorable animal families, creating a calm flow that naturally leads toward bedtime.

What I loved most is that this isn’t simply a bedtime book—it’s a love letter to parents. Rather than wishing away the hard or messy moments, it reminds us that those moments are part of what makes raising children so special. The references to pulled hair, splashing during bath time, muddy adventures, and sleepy snuggles capture the beautiful reality that the days can feel long while the years pass far too quickly. I can easily see this being one of those books that leaves tired parents a little misty-eyed by the final page.

A sweet addition to any bedtime library, Love-a-by would make a wonderful baby shower gift, newborn gift, or nightly read for families looking to build comforting bedtime routines.

Who should read this?
Parents, grandparents, caregivers, and families with babies through preschoolers looking for a warm, comforting bedtime read that celebrates unconditional love and the everyday magic of childhood.

My 4 year old absolutely loves this book!! I think she will ask for it over and over again lol the pictures and colors are wonderful and the story is so cute! Definitely a new favorite.