Review: Learning You By Heart


Picture books about parenting and the unfathomable love and connection between a baby and their mother occupy more space than is often available on bookshop and bedroom bookshelves. So, I was suitably intrigued to see how Learning You By Heart by Sarah Wallace and Michelle Conn tackled this reoccurring well represented subject. Happy to report, with remarkable heart and toe-warming joy.

Sung in beautifully metered rhythming verse, this sweet picture book hooks from the start. A mother whispers gentle aphorisms of love to her young baby. She's loved them from the start but knows that life evolves thus recognises the need to learn her child by heart, so that they might always be with her. A heart melting proposition that immediately warms to parents sharing this story with their children and those children snuggled down beside them. Good move on behalf of the creators. I've yet to meet a youngster who doesn't possess some curiosity about themselves and their existence, blessed ego-centric creatures that they are. 

What follows is the learning bit described in lyrical bursts each portraying an affectionate observation:

From your perfect little face with its little button nose, 

to your silky wisps of hair and your precious little toes.

I love everything about you and if ever we're apart, 

I'll remember every detail as I'm learning you by heart. 

Every so often the refrain, I'm learning you by heart is repeated, pinning assurance and love firmly to the page. Anyone who's ever experienced the wonders of parenthood will instantly recognise the many small but deliciously common place scenarios: impromptu giggles, soft snuggly bodies, baby smells, gentle caresses on one's cheeks. 

The scenes that triggered treasured memories for me was when new wonders were discovered for the very first time and baths in the laundry / kitchen sink. I mean, who hasn't done that with their baby?! For care givers and parents, it's these strong visual and narrative life events that reignite a memory perhaps long buried, thus creating connection and meaning. 

For littlies, they create a sense of wonder and adoration. Of love and unconditional acceptance. Of security. 

Wallace's words are serenely supported by Conn's soft whimsical illustrations. Baby and mother are depicted with colourful tenderness and thoughtful perspectives. And like many domestic units, the family pet (a large ginger calico cat in this case) is never far from the baby mother action! 

Learning You By Heart deserves a place in your bedtime routine because of its exceptionally accurate portrayal of that unique (storge - natural familial) love that every parent experiences on the birth of their child and never ever wants to lose. Read it with your child to enhance those gorgeous parental bonds.

Title: Learning You By Heart
Author: Sarah Wallace
Illustrator: Michelle Conn
Publisher: Walker Books, Windy Hollow imprint, $29.99
Publication Date: 12 May 2026
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922998248
For ages: 3 - 5
Type: Picture Books

Buy the Book:    Walker Books Australia, Windy Hollows Books  


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