I am today presenting a newer author that I have little familiarity with. I have a growing list of well-known authors, all of whom I will share through the coming months, but when I saw this author’s classic, You are my I love you, I was struck with much emotion. Author Maryann Cusimano captures all that I feel about our son, in just a few short words. The watercolor drawings are simple and show a father bear loving his baby bear in many different daily scenes. It is eloquent, and yet, childish. Just the right sophistication mixed up with playfulness:
I am your parent, you are my child
I am your quiet place, you are my wild
I am your calm face, you are my giggle
I am your wait, you are my wiggle
I am your audience, you are my clown
I am your London Bridge, you are my falling down
I am your Carrot Sticks, you are my licorice
I am your dandelion, you are my first wish
I am your water wings, you are my deep
I am your open arms, you are my running leap
I am your way home, you are my new path
I am your dry towel, you are my wet bath
I am your dinner you are my chocolate cake
I am your bedtime, you are my wide awake
I am your finish line, you are my race
I am your praying hands, you are my saving grace
I am your favourite book, you are my new lines
I am your nightlight, you are my sunshine
I am your lullaby, you are my peek-a-boo
I am your kiss goodnight, you are my I love you
While researching this talented author, I was surprised to learn about her background. Dr. Maryann Cusimano Love is a tenured Associate Professor of International Relations in the Politics Department of The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. She teaches graduate and undergraduate International Relations courses at Catholic University and the Pentagon, such as Security, Just Peace, Terrorism, Globalization, and The Problem of Sovereignty. Her recent International Relations books include Beyond Sovereignty: Issues for a Global Agenda Morality Matters: Ethics and the War on Terrorism , and “What Kind of Peace Do We Seek?” a book chapter in the forthcoming The Ethics and Theology of Peacebuilding.
It may seem shocking, for those who know me, that I am promoting Dr. Cusimano’s works, seeing that, she promotes peace amidst the threats of war. However, upon reading her writing, I am challenged by her ideas, her intellect, and her disregard for the run-of-the-mill liberalism that plagues the peace movements of today. She lays out her peaceful agenda succinctly, and also, challenges the current administration to seek peace through preventive profileration, threat reduction, public diplomacy, arms control, and yes, alas, international institutions. I honestly do not know enough about all of the above topics, but she challenges me to learn more.
Also, Dr. Cusimano serves on the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ International Justice and Peace Committee, where she advises the bishops on international affairs and U.S. foreign policy. She lives in Washington, DC, with her husband Richard and three young children, Maria, Ricky, and Ava, who inspired her New York Times best-selling children’s books, You Are My I Love You, You Are My Miracle, You Are My Wish, and Sleep, Baby, Sleep.
**Author Spotlight: I try to share about a different (and phenomenal) children’s author or illustrator every month or two. There are so many wonderful children’s books out there and it is important to know about and celebrate these wonderful authors.
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