A lullaby for a precious child, Learning You By Heart captures a mother’s absolute devotion to her child as she delights in every smile, every touch and every breath.
Learning something ‘by heart’ usually refers to the rote memorisation of times tables, spelling words or scientific formulae at school. It involves close observation, repeated actions and intense focus.
Sarah Wallace has cleverly taken this rather dry concept and turned it into her own, softening it and aligning it with the joy a new baby brings.
No parent could deny the desire to drink in every aspect of their child – effectively ‘learning them by heart’. We want to commit every little thing about our newborns to memory and this is what Sarah’s words convey so beautifully.
With skilful rhyme and a gentle rhythm that asks to be read in quiet tones, Sarah Wallace takes readers by the hand, inviting them to observe, perhaps remember and definitely join her in celebrating the growing and unbreakable bond between mother and child.
Michelle Cann’s illustrations are warm and happy, focusing on the child and allowing the reader to witness something very special.
Learning You By Heart would make a keepsake gift for a new family and would surely become a cherished, much-read favourite.
Title: Learning You By Heart
Author: Sarah Wallace
Illustrator: Michelle Conn
Publisher: Windy Hollow, $29.99
Publication Date: 12 May 2026
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922998248
For ages: up to 3
Type: Picture Book
