Author and illustrator Sandra Magsamen has written many books for babies and toddlers, and no matter the theme, they always center around one central message—love.
In this blog post, she talks about her creative process, the specific inspiration behind I Love You to the Moon and Back, and promises—spoken and silent—she has made throughout her daughter’s life.
Learn more about Sandra Magsamen and I Love You to the Moon and Back by visiting scholastic.com/sandramagsamen.
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People often ask me where my creative ideas come from. The honest answer is, I don’t know! But I do know that ideas, thoughts, feelings and patterns seems to dance and whirl in the universe and I have grown skilled at plucking them from wherever they come. Once plucked and embraced, I begin the work of organizing, arranging and putting all the puzzle pieces together to make art that communicates the messages that have been given to me. Creativity is mysterious, ethereal and magical is so many ways. I don’t try to understand it but I do try to stay ready and open to creative sparks, spirits and surprises.
I can tell you this much—my book, I Love You to the Moon and Back, came to me one day in a flash. The idea of a promise began peeking and playing around me. As I began to ponder a promise, the swirling and dancing of ideas began. Thoughts of promises given and promises received tumbled about. Promises to friends, family and even co-workers turned over and over in my mind. The sad and painful feelings of a broken promise hung in the air. The joy and comfort of a promise kept warmed my heart.
The most meaningful and sacred promises of all—the promises I made to my daughter—began to knock on the door. I loved her so much and there were so many things I wanted her to know. Thus, the first sentence in I Love You to the Moon and Back is, “There are so many things I want you to know. My love will be with you wherever you go.”
When my daughter, Hannah, was born, I made silent promises that I locked and held safely in my heart. As I began to write this book, those promises were unlocked and shared on every page. What I know for sure is that we all keep our promises to our children in our own unique way, but the promises are the same. We promise to keep our children safe, to love them, to help them fulfill their dreams, to encourage them, to be there for them in the good times, the bad times and all the times in between. When all is said and done we promise to love them anywhere, even to the moon and back.
As you read I Love You to the Moon and Back to your little one, I hope the promises you have tucked in your heart dance and swirl as you love them the moon and back!
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More about Sandra Magsamen:
Sandra Magsamen is the author and illustrator of many books for young children, including the picture book When I Grow Up I Want to Be Me as well as a number of bestselling novelty stories such as Baby Love, I Love You Little Pumpkin, and Peek-A-Boo I Love You. As an artist, an art therapist, and a mom, she uses her creativity to remind people to express themselves and connect with others. Her lifestyle brands, products, and books are sold worldwide. She lives in Bennington, Vermont. Visit her at sandramagsamen.com.
More about I Love You To the Moon and Back:
If you wish upon a great big star,
I'll wish too, and be thankful for who you are.
Wherever life may take you, whichever path or track,
Just remember...
I'll love you to the moon and back!
In the tradition of books like Guess How Much I Love You and On the Night You Were Born comes an expression of infinite love from "love guru" Sandra Magsamen. A perfect gift for new parents, baby birthdays, showers, graduations, holidays, and more, this sweet board book with rhyming text, pastel illustrations, and a built-in gift tag is the perfect way to remind little ones just how loved they are!
To watch Sandra reading the book aloud, click here!
