Elvis Presley's Love Me Tender

April 1, 2003
In Elvis Presley's Love Me Tender, artist Tom Browning reinterprets the ballad as a testament to the bond between a father and daughter, portraying them together in a variety of settings and seasons. Adults familiar with the song may be uncomfortable with the romantic implications of the words, but children should have no such qualms. An Elvis CD is included.

January 1, 2018

Toddler-PreS-Paired with Presley's original lyrics, Graegin's illustrations tell the stories of four families welcoming new babies and celebrating the first few years of life. The pencil-and-watercolor artwork begins with diverse families gathered outside a hospital nursery window peering adoringly at their bundle (or bundles) of joy and the words "Love me tender." All of the families take their babies home to cuddle, love, and celebrate life, right up until they walk their now-preschoolers to Graceland Preschool. Many other nods to Presley and music are worked into the artwork-from a mother dancing with her baby, to toy musical instruments, to a record player presumably playing an Elvis album. Even the endpapers show toddlers singing, dancing, and playing instruments. An endnote from Priscilla Presley is included. VERDICT Best enjoyed sung one-on-one with the very young.-Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA

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