For Your Smile

Loryn Brantz is an author, artist, poet, and director. She is the creator of two bestselling board book series, Feminist Baby and It Had to Be You (Love Poems Your Baby Can See) and is also a two-time Emmy Award winner for her work on Sesame Street. She is currently a consulting creative director for the beloved children’s education program Ms. Rachel. Her greatest desire is to make the world a better place through art, even if just a little—but hopefully, a lot. Loryn lives in New York City with her husband, architect Jake J. Brotter, and children, Dalia and Ronen.  Loryn Brantz is an author, artist, poet, and director. She is the creator of two bestselling board book series, Feminist Baby and It Had to Be You (Love Poems Your Baby Can See) and is also a two-time Emmy Award winner for her work on Sesame Street. She is currently a consulting creative director for the beloved children’s education program Ms. Rachel. Her greatest desire is to make the world a better place through art, even if just a little—but hopefully, a lot. Loryn lives in New York City with her husband, architect Jake J. Brotter, and children, Dalia and Ronen.

Singsong-y rhymes provide a loving sentiment. Unlike many other black-and-white, infant-intended titles this one features far more visually stimulating illustrations that are well integrated with the text.  — Kirkus ReviewsFull of adoration for young children, this affirming poem abounds with energy and will be enjoyed by readers and listeners. It’s impossible not to quack, tweet, neigh your way through this title! — School Library JournalFor IT HAD TO BE YOU: "A sweet and tender proclamation of parental predestination that will catch babies’ eyes." — Kirkus ReviewsFor IT HAD TO BE YOU: "An enchanting book with a simple message that's universal, comforting, and true.  It Had to be You will captivate children and resonate in the heart of every adult." — Janet Lansbury, author of No Bad KidsFor IT HAD TO BE YOU: "No matter how your family came to be, Feminist Baby creator Loryn Brantz's It Had to Be You is the ideal love letter for all parents to share with their children. With high-contrast black-and-white illustrations that are visually accessible to infants, Brantz's lyrical prose is a literary lullaby perfect for your little one's bedtime routine." — Lacey Vorrasi-Banis, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY's Parental Guidance