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TL;DR: At bedtime, Little Nutbrown Hare asks Big Nutbrown Hare to guess how much he loves him. Little Hare stretches his arms, reaches high and hops, trying to show his love is huge. Each time, Big Hare shows that his love is even bigger. Finally, Little Hare says he loves Big Hare right up to the moon.
Table of Contents
Guess How Much I Love You at a Glance
| Author | Sam McBratney |
| First published | 1994 |
| Type | Picture book |
| Best for | parents and young children who want a sweet, cozy bedtime story about love |
Guess How Much I Love You is a picture book by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram, published in 1994. It has sold tens of millions of copies worldwide and became a bedtime classic. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Main Characters
- Little Nutbrown Hare: A small hare who loves Big Nutbrown Hare.
- Big Nutbrown Hare: Little Hare's loving parent.
- The moon: Little Hare's final measure of love.
- The river: A place Little Hare imagines.
- The leaves: Where Little Hare falls asleep.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
Bedtime
Little Nutbrown Hare is getting ready for bed. He holds Big Nutbrown Hare's ears and asks him to guess how much he loves him. Big Hare says he could not possibly guess.
Arms wide
Little Hare stretches his arms as wide as they go. “This much.” Big Hare, with longer arms, stretches his. “But I love you this much.” Little Hare thinks that is a lot.
Reaching high
Little Hare reaches as high as he can. Big Hare reaches higher. Little Hare hops up and down. Big Hare hops even higher, so high his ears touch the branches.
Far away
Little Hare says he loves Big Hare right down the lane as far as the river. Big Hare says he loves him across the river and over the hills.
The ending
Sleepy, Little Hare looks at the night sky and says, “I love you right up to the moon.” He falls asleep. Big Hare tucks him into a bed of leaves, kisses him good night and whispers, “I love you right up to the moon, and back.”
5 Key Takeaways
- Love is hard to measure.
- Children need to hear they are loved.
- Playful games can express feelings.
- Parents' love is endless.
- Bedtime rituals bring comfort.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- I love you right up to the moon, and back.
- Love grows when it is shared.
- Saying “I love you” matters.
Who Should Read Guess How Much I Love You?
Read Guess How Much I Love You if you want a tender bedtime story. It suits ages 0 to 5 and is a popular baby shower gift.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Guess How Much I Love You:
- How does Little Hare show his love?
- Why does Big Hare always love more?
- How would you measure your love?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Guess How Much I Love You is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Guess How Much I Love You, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
Yes. It is short, gentle and perfect for bedtime. Anita Jeram's soft watercolors are warm and lovely, and the playful competition lets children act out the story. Many families turn the final line into their own good night ritual.
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What to Read Next
- Love You Forever by Robert Munsch: a mother's lifelong love
- Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown: a classic bedtime book
- The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn: a parent's love at separation
Related: 15 Books Like Guess How Much I Love You You’ll Love
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Guess How Much I Love You about?
Two hares try to show how much they love each other.
Who wrote it?
Sam McBratney.
Who illustrated it?
Anita Jeram.
What is the famous line?
“I love you right up to the moon, and back.”
Is Big Nutbrown Hare the father?
The book does not say, but readers often see a parent.
What age is it for?
About 0 to 5.
Are there sequels?
Yes, including Will You Be My Friend?
How long is it?
About 32 pages.
Is there a TV show?
Yes, an animated series from 2011.
How can I use it with kids?
Act out the stretches and hops together, then make up your own measures, like “to the stars.”
Why is it a good gift?
Its simple message of love makes it a favorite for new parents.
Who are the main characters in Guess How Much I Love You?
The main characters are Little Nutbrown Hare, Big Nutbrown Hare, the moon, the river and the leaves. Little Nutbrown Hare: A small hare who loves Big Nutbrown Hare. Big Nutbrown Hare: Little Hare's loving parent. The moon: Little Hare's final measure of love.
Is Guess How Much I Love You worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for parents and young children who want a sweet, cozy bedtime story about love. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.