Just by happenstance, I chose to read this gorgeously illustrated children’s book today. It is my anniversary and I adored spending time with this beautiful celebration of the love of two women. Their goal was to marry in every country that allowed for same sex marriage. So, children will travel the world and see the dress and customs for many wedding ceremonies.

When many children have parents of the same sex and when many also identify as gay, this book is such a welcome resource. I really loved it .

SPOILER ALERT: Just be ready when you read about the authors.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

Based on an inspiring true story, LOVE IS LOVE: THE JOURNEY CONTINUES follows Fleur Pierets and her wife Julian as they travel to the twenty-eight countries that allow same-sex marriages. Alongside the union of these two women are exquisite illustrations by Fatinha Ramos, showing the beauty of each country they visit on their journey. After already being married in thirteen countries, and saying “I do” in a new romantic setting each time, Fleur and Julian travel the world to talk about different marriage traditions while celebrating their love.

LOVE IS LOVE doesn’t just show us the beauty of marriage equality but demonstrates how activism can change the world if we are willing to be the change. The message that all love matters is an important one to take away from this book if you haven’t already. As readers flipping through the pages of this incredible story and its beautiful illustrations, we gain knowledge of the world around us, the culture, and traditions that each country brings to the table. Diversity is a beautiful thing, and so is acceptance. This book is a perfect example of the power of love, not just for a man and a woman, but for everyone in the world.

(Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review.)

This was so sweet! The art style was different than what I’m used to but it was perfect for the story! This honestly almost made me cry because I’m a lesbian and I strongly believe that same sex marriage should be legal everywhere!

A beautifully illustrated picture book about two women and their journey to marrying each other around the world, as it becomes legal in the countries. I am always looking for more LGBTQIA+ representation in children's books, so this seemed directly up my alley.

I cannot stress enough how gorgeous the pages are. The colors are lively and pleasing in every way. The energy and beauty of the couple's journey was captured wonderfully.

As for the story itself, I'm sad to say it felt a bit jumbled and lacking. The countries named didn't always line up with the pictures on the page. Combining that with a font size and color that made me have to strain to read it made us stumble through it. The book is written as if the couple actually did go marry in 20+ countries so it was a bit surprising to find out this new book is a imagining of it instead. Reading it again knowing that makes me wish the wording had been shaped a little differently to not be presented as a non-fiction story.

Sadly, Fleur's wife Julian passed away in 2018 from a devastatingly short and hard cancer diagnosis. The couple only got the chance to marry in 4 countries and it's a loving tribute to LGBTQIA+ equality around the world. The sentiment behind the book is so deserving of being celebrated.

Overall, my child and I both agree the illustrations are what make this book so memorable and engaging.

My rating: ☆★★★★
My child's rating: (✿◠‿◠)
Would we read it again?: No
Would we recommend it to others: Yes

What a BEAUTIFUL story.

As a parent, I am all for my children loving on love of all kinds, especially with such different age groups in my children (3) & (16) but this book is one they BOTH loved reading. As the momma, I found it touching that the story was loosely based on the authors personal experience, and adored that in real life and in the story they went from country to country to get married again and again.

Translating those traditions from each country to these bright, colorful & fun pages was a joy to read, and our entire family really enjoyed this book, THANK YOU.

Thank you so much to net galley for sending me a copy of this book. I really thought it was quite beautiful. Thank you to the publisher

This is a stunning looking book with an important message. It would be interesting to see how long it takes some young listeners of the story to realise that it's two females getting married to each other over and over again. Really glad to see that not only is it not stereotypical about the characters but it doesn't do that for the countries visited either. Definitely a good book for schools and homes.

I absolutely loved the dynamic artwork of Love is Love and the concept was incredibly fresh and engaging. I do wish that each location had a little more story and emotional connection along with the more informative text. Overall, I think it's still a fun and important addition to any children's library, especially those looking for diverse and education reads surrounding the expansion of LGBTQIA+ rights worldwide!

I found the story to be heartwarming. A short yet descriptive story with lots of beautiful illustrations along the way. I really liked the introduction at the beginning of the book. My children found it interesting to learn that marriage traditions in each country vary so much and where shocked yet confused as why some countries will not accept/allow same sex marriages. My son 8year old son commented on how he liked the title of the book as he said it was true that love is love and it doesn’t matter what gender you are! 💙

I love the premise of this book as well as the illustrations. Ramos uses color and simple shapes to convey both the literal meaning of the text as well as the emotions. Almost every two page spread has some representation of the pride flag. This added to the appeal.
However, I am not sure if the text is appropriate for young readers. By this, i do not mean the ideas behind the text, but the actual text. For example on the page about Sweden, Pierets uses the words Ombudsman, discrimination and government agency. These are all difficult concepts for children under the age of 8. It might be better to simplify the text and then add some end notes for teachers or parents to clarify additional information. I would use this book with undergraduates to discuss issues of LGBTQ and the necessity of sharing this information with young children.

This was a very cute #OwnStories children's book about a lesbian couple who travels the world getting married in all the countries where gay marriage is legal. As the 2 women are traveling to different countries we learn a small bit of information about each country. This picture book has detailed illustrations which I really enjoy, it's what geared me toward this book.

I will say I'm not sure it would interest my kids as nothing is exactly happening. I think it would be more interesting if we were learning more about the countries or if there was something else to the plot.

However, I do believe the book served its purpose and I think it's important for children to hear more LGBTQ+ stories

Advanced Reader Copy provided by Netgalley in exchange for honest review

What's not to love about this book?! I loved the story and the beautiful illustrations, and the romance sprinkled in throughout. It wasn't so mushy that my kids wanted to roll their eyes though. I think they were as interested as I was about the weddings in each country.

My kids were raised to understand that love is love and we had to explain to them that not every county believes the same. I really enjoyed the countries visited in this book and the mini-stories told. I need to read their first one too!

Reading that Julian had passed away was so heartbreaking. Their romance and travels together were so beautiful and I love the awareness they're bringing to gay rights around the world. Highly recommend reading this one with your kids of all ages!

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC

This is a wonderful and cute book. It can teach children lots of things about love, acceptance, and how to welcome people different from you. The art is so cute, I loved seeing the culture of so many different countries. Would suggest reading to any small children.

This is a really inspiring and educational picture book focusing on a lesbian couple and LGBT marriage rights around the world. I thought the artwork was beautiful and I loved how facts about marriage, traditions and laws were woven seamlessly into the story.

I adored this. Love is Love is the perfect children’s book to start a discussion around LGBTQ+ relationships. What I loved about this book was how it seamlessly interwove facts and figures in regards to same sex marriage with the story helping to educate the readers. Would recommend to anybody. The illustrations in this book are also beautiful.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in return for an honest review,

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely adored this book, despite it being aimed at children it didn't feel overly juvenile and I think that it could be very valuable for the new generation.

Love is Love features a brilliant idea. However the repetition made an otherwise an enjoyable read into a tedious affair that just made you beg for it to be over.

This beautifully illustrated book shares the touching story of love and acceptance with children. This is a great book to teach kids about human rights, as well as LGBTQ+ issues around the world.

The illustrations are stunning and the story is so inspiring. I love that this book is Fleur's way of continuing this project that she began with her wife, even after her wife died. So meaningful to see their love memorialized in this beautiful book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Six Foot Press for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Love is Love by Fleur Pierets follows Fleur and Julian around the world to different countries that have legalized same-sex marriage laws. In each country visited, there is a bit about what marriage or weddings are like in that culture. The illustrations are vibrant and jubilant on each page. This is a wonderful children's story!

Love is Love is inspired by the true story of Fleur and Julian's love. They were able to legally get married in four different countries before Julian was diagnosed with brain cancer and passed shortly after. This story is a testament to their love.

Available 11/17/2020.