posted on 18 Feb 2025

I See Me! by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram

This is another gentle story in board book format with distinctive illustrations from this well-established creative pair that we have featured before on the Letterpress site.

The front cover shows Big Nutbrown Hare looking fondly at her child as he gazes at his reflection in a small pond.  On the first double page spread we see them bounding across the countryside towards a tree. I liked the way that the subsequent page focuses on the tree where they discover a butterfly and a nest. Further investigation reveals a bird in the nest and then they notice something wriggling in the nearby pond – a tadpole.

Little Nutbrown Hare is thrilled by his discoveries and is encouraged to look for more surprises. As he notices his reflection in the water, the reader is asked: ‘Who can YOU see?’ on the facing page that has a mirror. This is always a successful device to make a child feel completely involved in the story 

The charm of this short and simple story lies the caring atmosphere which will resonate with all those who cherish the special relationship with very young children. The subject matter is perfect because it captures a typical everyday excursion into the garden, park or countryside where the beauty of nature is something that adults might take for granted until they look at details through the eyes of their children. 

I am also fascinated with how the illustrator manages to convey the weight and power of the hares with their strong back legs and impressive stance. They could never be mistaken for rabbits.

This delightful board book will doubtless be popular with a new generation of parents, extended family and friends of babies and young children. It is published by Walker Books and celebrates the 30th anniversary of the publication of the now iconic, ‘Guess How Much I Love You.’ It should be available from your local independent bookshop who will order a copy if not already on their shelves.  

Karen Argent

February 2025