Module 1 

Introduction to Children's Literature

I Already Know I Love You by Billy Crystal

Illustrated by Elizabeth Sayles

Bibliography

Crystal, B. (2004). I Already Know I Love You. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers

ISBN 006-059392-X

Summary

This is a book that a grandpa-to-be Billy Crystal wrote and dedicated to his soon-to-be born granddaughter.  It reflects his own experience as a first-time grandfather.  As Grandpa awaits the birth of his grandchild, he is thinking of all the things they will do together and about how excited he is to meet her and that even though he has not met her yet, he knows he already loves her.  He is telling her that they will go to the beach, a ball game, and the movies.  He can't wait to teach her how to tie her shoes, to fly kites, go out to eat, go fishing, to make silly faces together, and to give her bear hugs, and many other activities grandparents enjoy doing with their grand-kids.  It is just a story of a very excited grandparent.  

My Impression

I liked the story overall, but some of the verses came out awkward, I don't think that is what he meant for it to be but it kind of sounded odd.  I think it was just the wording that made it sound like that.  Overall it's a story of a grandparent who is very excited to meet their first granddaughter, and can't wait to spoil her with with love and introduce her to everything such as: baseball games, movies, beach, and many other fun activities.  I think this book can be enjoyed by both young and old readers, and it would make a good book for grandfathers and/or toddler granddaughters.

Reviews

From Barnes & Noble

Comedian Billy Crystal serves up an ode to a grandparent's love in this gentle, poetic picture book illustrated by Elizabeth Sayles. Glowing with warmly colored scenes of a man imagining special moments with his unborn granddaughter, Crystal's tale begins with an exclamation of joy -- "I'm going to be your grandpa! I have the biggest smile. I've been waiting to meet you for such a long, long while" -- and continues with similarly enthusiastic musings until the very end. Along the way, Grandpa and his sweetie-pie have fun watching "butterflies and monkeys and clown who cross their eyes," and he dreams about introducing her to the stars, the moon, and other natural wonders he wants to share. For Grandpa, movies hold a special interest ("I took your mom to her first movie. I want to take you, too. That will be a special day devoted just to you"), along with baseball and family history, interests that evidently rank high on the author's own list of favorites. But whether or not everyone shares Crystal's love of wontons or ice-cream pie, no one can fail to pick up on his message of joyful expectation. The perfect gift for both seasoned grandparents and those who are new to the game, this book provides an interesting perspective on love between the generations.

Child Magazine

A tender ode…capturing the love and easy companionship of a grandfather and granddaughter.

Use in Library Setting

I think it would be good to have in public libraries and/or elementary school libraries.  It can be used in public libraries for storytime for themes such as: love, grandparents day.  It can be added to their picture book collection or parent collection.  In elementary schools it can be a good addition to any classroom collection or in the school library.  

Review. (n. d.). I Already Know I Love You [Review of the book I Already Know I Love You ]. 
Barnes & Noble Online. 

Available from

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/i-already-know-i-love-you-billy-crystal/1102953879