I Love You No Matter What: A Prince Chirpio Story

by Jarrett Rutland

Overview

This sweet story offers a comforting message: a parent’s love is always there to come home to.

Prince Chirpio likes growing up as royalty, but his selfishness and thirst for adventure prompts him to leave the kingdom and fly off to where he can make his own rules. He soon discovers that adventures can be lonely, and he misses the love and protection of his father. Can he go back home? Will his father still love him? Luckily, his father the king is eager to welcome Chirpio back and to convince his young prince that he will always love him—no matter what.

Parents will appreciate that the story focuses on an important felt need: making sure their children know Mom and Dad will always love them. This fresh take on Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son will show young hearts that there’s no getting away from a parent’s love.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781400321957
Publisher:	Nelson, Tommy
Publication date:	02/04/2013
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	7.30(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.30(d)
Age Range:	4 - 7 Years

About the Author

Author and artist Jarrett Rutland has greatly enjoyed watching the many adventures of Prince Chirpio develop in his head and on his sketchpad. I Love You No Matter What is his second published book for children.

Editorial Reviews

A framing device of a story within a story draws parallels between parental love and God’s love in this subtle, appealing rendition of the parable of the prodigal son. When Little Blue, knowing he had been naughty, says, " ‘Since you probably don’t love me anymore, I’m leaving the big oak tree for good,’ " Daddy Blue tells a story of Prince Chirpio. Ignoring his father, King Puffbelly’s, cautious warnings, the prince takes his inheritance, a bag of birdseed, and heads off for adventure. A dragonfly, caterpillar, and turtle all provide friendship until his birdseed his gone; then they abandon him, saying: " ‘Maybe the pigs in the next pasture will share their food with you.’ " Rutland’s (Alligator Wedding) initial illustrations appear against a stark white backdrop, two to four discrete images per spread. Color and apparel distinguish the father/son pairs: Daddy Blue wears shirt and tie and Little Blue sports a baseball cap, while Chirpio and his father, both bright yellow, wear crowns and purple vests. The story concludes with both sons realizing the depth of their father’s love in this entertaining, well-executed retelling of a much loved tale. Ages 4-7. (Feb.)

Publishers Weekly