What Matters Most by Emma Dodd questions whether it's important to have lots of friends or just two or three, or whether it's better to be very big or super-small. As well as its beautiful illustrations, it looks like a perfect book to start important conversations about identity and values with children. * Scottish BookTrust *

The dark days of winter have a silver lining when you open the pages of this stunning picture book from much-loved author and illustrator Emma Dodd. Dodd, who is amongst the most borrowed authors from UK libraries, adds flashes of silver foil to the gallery of striking pictures in her moving and reassuring story which delivers important life lessons for pre-schoolers. Starring a very BIG horse and a tiny little one, little ones are asked to consider what matters most. Is it being very big or being super-small, is it having lots of stuff or not that much at all? Is it having lots of friends or only two or three, is it talking all the time or making time to hear? Perhaps it's none of those things... because it's always love that matters most. Dodd gently and subtly explores the important themes of identity and acceptance in a book that will strike a chord with parents and encourage children to think about the simple joys in life and the important issues like relationships and family. * Northern Regional Newspapers *

A comforting, life-affirming read that celebrates difference and acceptance. The rhyming text makes this book a delight to read aloud to little ones. * Baby Magazine *

What Matters Most by Emma Dodd is adorable from the author of I Love My Mummy. * Angels and Urchins *

What Matter Most to you? What Matters most to me? A mother horse and her foal gallop around the wild world and question what is most important in life. Is it going out or staying in? Having lots of stuff or not having very much at all? At the very end they conclude that wherever you happen to be in life at one moment, the most important thing of all is being loved. Silver foil effect gives the landscape extra sparkle without ever overwhelming the page. Rainwater and grassy blades and birds in flight are all emphasised with shine. A beautiful book both in sentiment and style. I admire that instead of wishing one thing for the child, the mother puts forward the idea that we go through different periods in life and experience different things at different stages. Our wants and ambitions also change. With so many children under pressure from an early age, this book is a welcome narrative. A total celebration of the diversity of life and different things which define us. * Book Murmuration *

scintillating little book from a megastar in children's publishing. Emma Dodd's perfect bedtime story "What Matters Most" tackles topics of identity and acceptance, and asks the sort of questions that kids would ask themselves. So what does matter most? Is it being very big or being super-small? Is it having lots of stuff or not that much at all? Is it having lots of friends or only two or three? Is it talking all the time or listening carefully? Beautifully lilting text and gorgeous clear illustrations make this topic approachable and fun for little ones. * Read it Daddy *