Cover Story

We’ve all experienced love in one form or another. There’s everyone’s favorite – romantic love. Some say it makes the world go ’round, and it’s probably the very thing that caused you to become a parent in the first place. But you can also love friends, pets, your country, shopping...and even chocolate!

So, what is love, exactly? We went out to local schools and posed this question to the love experts – your children – for whom love in all its many incarnations comes so easily. As you’ll see, love is a simple, but very big, word that means many things to the most innocent among us.


1st grade
Calvary Chapel Christian School
>> 24225 Monroe Ave., Murrieta
>> Teacher: Mrs. Pam Burris


“Love is when you care about being close, and when friends play with each other.”
Gabriel, 7


“Love is hugging my mom.”
Dominic, 6


“Love is gentle, caring, kind to others, like my parents, friends, cousins, my pets and teacher.”
Chloe, 7

“I think love is what my parents do for me.”
Chris, 6


“Love is loving your family and caring about them.”
Mason, 6

“Love is an emotion that shows we care about others.”
Taylor, 7


“Love is in my heart, love is my dad.”
Hunter, 6


2nd grade
La Sierra Academy
>> 4900 Golden Ave., Riverside
>> Teacher: Linda Fattic


“Love is as beautiful as the white and red and purple and pink flowers that grow in the back yard.”
Arriana, 7

“Love is resting my head on my dad’s shoulder and listening to his stories.”
Brailen, 7

“Love is spending time with my family and playing board games. ‘Sorry’ is my favorite!”
Alison, 8

“Love is what my dad seasons my food with.”
Cait, 7

“Love is when I tuck granny in and make her nice and cozy.”
Julia, 7

“Love is when I vacuum and put on a song while I help.”
Christian, 7


“Love is when I practice hard at the piano and play my recital pieces without mistakes for mom and dad.”
Cameron, 7


3rd grade
Juniper Elementary School
>> 7655 Juniper Ave., Fontana
>> Teacher: Mrs. Robinson

“Love is when your mom kisses you on the forehead because you do stuff for her.”
Cande, 8

“Love is when you like someone that you love. But if that person does not love you, you will be sad and broken-hearted. You will not feel good.”
Brayan, 9

“If you like someone very much, that is love. I like my sister.”
Abraham, 9

“Love is a hug and a kiss and friendship. Love is soft and sweet.”
Guadalupe, 9

“Love is when you hold hands with someone.”
Kevin, 8

“Love means someone you care about, think about, and protect and play with, and be with them in the good times and bad times.”
German, 8

“My parents love me so much that when I wake up, they make me eggs. Even after school, they make me something to eat. That’s what love means.”
Jose, 8


4th grade
Abby Reinke
Elementary School
>> 43799 Sunny Meadows Road, Temecula
>> Teacher: Marsha Deiter

“Love is what goes around your heart to someone else. If you love love, then try it out. Someone might love you back.”
Monica, 9

“Love is something you can’t see with your eyes. It’s something you feel in your heart. It is worth more than a million pieces of gold.”
Mariana, 9

“Love is when a seal yells, ‘Will you marry me?’ Then they go into the water together and eat fish.”
Justin, 9

“Love for someone is when you would protect them no matter what the cost.”
Eric, 9


“Love is having a dad in the military…and supporting the military when the troops are in war.”
Matthew, 9

“Love is what bonds your family together and what makes you a better person. Love guides you through hard times and gives you an inspiration for music and art.”
Christopher, 9


Can't get enough love?
To see more adorable faces from the schools that
participated in our "What Is Love?" story, go to
inlandempirefamily.com and click on “Videos.” For a real treat, watch the "What Is Love?" video!