Liza Baker’s I Love You Because You’re You (2002), illustrated by Caldecott Honoree David McPhail, features a fox parent’s unwavering love through spilled juice days and rainy adventure afternoons. The original manuscript—inspired by Baker watching her toddler rebuild block towers after constant collapses—gained fame when McPhail added glowing firefly scenes using his signature tea-stained watercolors.

Each page pairs cozy moments with playful tests: A grumpy bear cub refusing breakfast (“I’m NOT eating!”) still gets nuzzles. A squirrel child hiding acorns in mom’s apron pockets earns giggles, not scolding. Parents report kids memorizing the rhythmic refrain, often interrupting to shout “That’s ME!” during readings. While simpler than McPhail’s The Teddy Bear (sadly no WWII plane crash subplots here), this 32-page snuggle book nails emotional truth.

Fun fact: Bookstore owners initially worried the mole character’s “I love your dirty paws” line sounded gross. But as Baker explained in a 2007 Bookseller interview: “Real love embraces mud puddles.” Look for recurring heart shapes—hidden in tree bark, cloud curves, even the owl’s glasses. Pair with Sam McBratney’s Guess How Much I Love You for tandem readings that’ll drain your Kleenex supply.