I used to work in the publishing industry (in the era sans bébé). The "I love you stinky face" was very popular sell. I read it then, as a non-mom, and thought nothing of it. It was cute. Then a month ago, I read it to my 18 month old; well, that was opening Pandora's Box. The request for reading this book - over and over again, is crazy. 

Now reading it as a mom, I have to admit, it is cute and fun, and I enjoy it because it is not very long, has simple language and the illustrations are great. Is it not a complex story, just a simple bed time dialogue between a mother and child and how the mother would love the child no matter what form the child took - skunk, alligator, dinosaur, alien - take your pick. 

The author is Lisa McCourt. It is a great read. If you're looking for a neutral book to read to any child - between 18 months to 5 years, this is a good selection.