Valentine's Day, 2005
The following reviews were presented in our 2005 Valentine's Day feature.
Reviews
1-2-3 Valentine's Day
Jeanne Modesitt
Illustrated by Robin Spowart
Mr. Mouse carries a big red box from house to house with a valentine for the residents, his friends. From one little frog to two round pigs, and up to his own ten little mice, Mr. Mouse hands out candy, poems, a kite, a teddy bear and other items. A wordless double-page spread shows the baby mice playing with their gifts while Mr. and Mrs. Mouse hug and watch. The number is spelled out in the text while the numeral is at the bottom of the page accompanied by the corresponding number of red hearts. The illustrations are full of energy in the interaction between Mr. Mouse and his friends. The palette is soft, with lots of pink and red. The beginning two lines and the final two lines repeat on each page and will encourage young listeners to repeat them with the reader. Full of the joy of gift-giving, surprises and sharing, this makes an additional title to the available Valentine's Day books. Directions on how to make a Valentine's Day heart is at the end of the story. 2002, Boyds Mills Press, $15.95. Ages 3 to 7. Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 1563978687
Attack of the 50-foot Cupid
Illustrated by Jim Benton
The lead character in this series, "Franny K. Stein, Mad Scientist," manages to be both somewhat appealing and somewhat appalling; the perfect heroine for kids who like icky and weird, but not downright scary. This is a funny tale of a young girl who doesn't quite understand things that other people grasp right away. Her intelligence and interest in science set her apart and in this book she has difficulty in comprehending the concept of Valentine's Day. At the same time, her mother decides that every mad scientist needs a lab assistant although the best one she can find is not a purebred Lab, but a dog of many breeds appropriately named Igor. As much as she has always wanted an assistant, Franny is not pleased with her mother's selection, but Igor turns out to be not just a valuable asset, but a creature who teaches Franny a little bit about feelings. Kids will enjoy the story as well as the fittingly creepy illustrations and it has a comforting message for those who often feel on the outside because, for some reason, they think differently than most others. 2004, Simon & Schuster, $14.95. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-86292-X
Be My Valentine, Amelia Bedelia
Herman Parish
Illustrated by Lynn Sweat
A gust of wind blows away the guest list for Mrs. Rogers Valentine's Day party. Amelia Bedelia attempts to figure out who the guest is by getting clues from the valentine. Her literal understanding results in a very quirky list of guests. "You stole my heart!" results in an invitation to a policeman. "Are you my sweetie pie?" is certainly for the baker, and on it goes. Some are clever; some are a stretch but they will get children looking at words in a new way. There are fold out flaps in which Lynn Sweat adds touches of humor to the illustrations. With its paperback format, this item is intended for home purchase and will not withstand library usage. 2005, HarperFestival/ HarperCollins, Ages 5 to 8, $6.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-051886-3
Bear Hugs
Karma Wilson
Illustrated by Suzanne Watts
If you want some really corny poems that have a romantic flavor and involve a variety of animals then sit right down with this book. A kangaroo has a pocket full of posies that she gives to her intended, the elephant asks his love to remember him forever and her closing line notes that elephants never forget. The monkey is ape for his love and frog claims that he will croak if his love is not returned, and poor hare is very sad because he loves "Some Bunny Special" and he does not appear to be the object of her affection. The illustrations are just as humorous as the verses, and kids will find plenty of extra humor in them. I especially enjoyed "What a Chicken" in which a rooster can't get up his nerve to ask a hen named Gwen for a date, and "A Moosetake" where a moose fall for a Jersey cow. The final verse explains that "People are Animals Too" and concludes "the best kind of animal-person is You!" So give this book to your favorite animal (child) and perhaps even an adult who enjoys puns and a laugh. There is even a gift card inside. 2005, Margaret K McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster, Ages 4 to 8, $14.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-85763-2
The Best Thing About Valentines
Eleanor Hudson
Illustrated by Mary Melche
Little Bear loves to make and send valentines, but it is getting valentines that is the most fun of all. In a simple and brief rhyming text, Little Bear goes through the process of creating the valentines, posting them, hand-delivering them to some friends, and taking them to school for classmates. The upbeat tone of the text is carried through in the illustrations of the little animal classmates who share valentines and hugs with one another. A variety of hearts and heart-shapes can be found on each page. This original paperback picture book will find its audience among nursery school children and those just beginning to read. 2003, Cartwheel/Scholastic, $3.50. Ages 3 to 5. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0439521092
Biscuit's Valentine's Day
Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Pictures by Pat Schories
Biscuit and his little mistress are a cute team. In this book with big flaps, they are busy making valentines for friends and family. Biscuit has a spool of ribbon in his mouth and a valentine stuck to his paw, but he trots off to give a greeting to kitty, neighbor Puddles, and the little girl's grandparents. Best of all, when they get home, there are valentines in the mailbox and an especially big valentine for little Biscuit. 2001, HarperFestival, $6.95. Ages 2 to 6. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 069401222X
The Bookstore Valentine
Barbara Maitland
Pictures by David LaRochelle
What could be better than hearts and flowers? Another early-reader tale about Cobweb, a black cat who loves cheese, mice and her life with bookstore owner Mr. Brown. In The Bookstore Valentine, the third book in the series, Cobweb helps shy Mr. Brown deliver a dinner invitation to Miss Button, the store's new assistant. Author Barbara Maitland's trademark humor and clever plotting make this a perfect companion for youngsters learning to read--and an engaging lap book for little ones. David LaRochelle's expressive illustrations beg for a close look. They are full of those details (hidden mice, Mr. Brown's changing tie design) kids love to discover. 2002, Dutton, $13.99. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
When kindly Mr. Brown with his round, bald head places a help wanted sign in the window of his mystery bookstore, Miss Button applies for the job and soon their friendship blossoms. They are too shy to ask each other out to dinner on Valentine's Day, but Mr. Brown's cat and the bookstore "ghost" execute a surefire plan. Perceptive readers will discover the identity of the book-shoving ghost before Miss Button. The books on the shelves often have legible titles, such as The Bat in the Hat. There are also some Valentine's Day titles, such as I'm Batty for You which reflect the developing relationship between the two. This beginning reader is smoothly written with just the right amount of repetition. Not just for young children, this humorous story will delight newly independent readers of all ages. Fans will be pleased to find this third title in the series of books about the bookstore, Mr. Brown and his cat, Cobweb. 2002, Dutton, $13.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Garden State Children's Book Award, 2005; Nominee; Easy Reader; New Jersey
ISBN: 0-525-46913-3
Cookie Kisses
Abigail Tabby
Illustrated by Barry Goldberg
Cookie Monster loves cookies. The text talks about Cookie kisses, but it was not really clear that what Baby Cookie Monster loves more than cookies is his mother's kisses. Even for a book that is cited as level 1-"Sesame Beginnings" series which is supposed to be a building block to literacy and learning this one fell a bit flat. Yes, it is important to read and to keep reading to babies, but it is also important to read something that makes a bit more sense that this book does. The textured page at the end of the book is not enough to make this a must purchase. 2004, Random House, Ages 1 mo to 6 mo, $6.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-375-82694-7
The Cuddle Book
Guido Van Genechten
"Everybody likes a good cuddle," begins this book. In the illustration is a child reaching out for a hug. Subsequent pages show adult animals and their young and how they cuddle: "turtles cuddle slowly"..."and elephants cuddle with their trunks." The conclusion is that "the best cuddle of all...is mommy's cuddle!" The very appealing cast of playful animals has been created from paper collage and paint. Its large size makes this celebration of cuddles and hugs a good choice for toddler and preschool storyhours. This audience will appreciate the very brief text. Keep it in mind for Valentine's Day and for Mother's Day as well. 2005, HarperCollins, Ages 2 to 5, $14.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-075306-4
The Day It Rained Hearts
Felicia Bond
"One day it started raining hearts, and Cornelia Augusta caught one." Before long, she had caught enough to make her Valentines. She studied each one carefully, for they were all different, and she chose just the right ones for each of her friends. She lovingly and thoughtfully created four cards and mailed them to her friends. The dog, the mouse, the turtle and the bunny were delighted, and readers will enjoy the subtle humor as they see how each Valentine was appropriate for its recipient. The matter-of-fact text is accompanied by whimsical illustrations. Originally published in 1983 as Four Valentines in a Rainstorm, this title has not lost any of its charm. It is a delightful story to share one-to-one or in a library storyhour. If you are giving this as a Valentine's Day gift, the recipient will enjoy the stickers of Cornelia Augusta and her friends that are in the back of the book. 2002 (orig. 1983), Laura Geringer Books/HarperCollins, $9.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0066238765
Elmo's World: Love!
Kara McMahon
Photographs by John E. Barrett
Illustrations by Mary Beth Nelson
Elmo explains to very young kids that there are different kids of love. You can love your parents and members of your extended family. You can love your pets and special thing that you like to eat or do. You can even love a special day. Elmo demonstrates by introducing his friends such as Dorothy who loves her fish family and Cookie Monster who loves cookies. Elmos loves his birthday and those of others because he can tell them how much he cares about them, but most of all Elmo tells kids that he loves them. The familiar characters from Sesame Street will be quickly recognized and the message imparted absorbed by receptive toddlers. Part of the fun is to lift up the drawing that look like kids created them to have the message further reinforced with a picture and additional text. 2004, Random House, Ages 1 to 3, $4.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-375-82843-5
Eloises's What I Absolutely Love Love Love
Kay Thompson
Drawings by Hilary Knight
Eloise is popular so illustrations and stories are repackaged for a variety of occasions. This is called "An Eloise Weenie Book" probably because it is so short and in a small format. Eloise announces that she is six and describes what she loves. It ranges from ballet, speaking French, dressing up and room service. Having spent some time with a young nephew, I know that kids really do love room service, but Eloise as usual takes things over the top. Her favorite food is planked medallions of beef, her favorite place to live is the Plaza Hotel and she loves clothes by Dior. Not your average kid, but that is what makes her so engaging-it is a life that kids will never experience. 2005, Simon & Schuster, Ages 4 to 7, $9.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-84965-6
Flirtology
Anita Naik
This handy little book which can easily fit in a purse or a pocket had more than 100 tips for flirting. Aimed at girls, it contains some truly helpful tips, but it also seems to be targeted at kids who are dating or are part of the singles scene. The definition of flirtology is found on the back of the book-"The science of grabbing the attention of any guy you want by being your own funny, fabulous self!" There are common sense guides like lighten up, stand tall, think positive thoughts, shrug off rejection, and remember "Boys love to talk about themselves, but don't like emotional questions." I doubt if most girls need this book, but some might find it reassuring. It could also be a lot of fun at an all girl party or in a girls' college dorm room with a bunch of girlfriends. 2004, Penguin Putnam, Ages 16 up, $5.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-59514-005-0
Funny Honey Valentine
Illustrated by Steven Salerno
In the form of a silver square with hearts stamped on it and a red ribbon and bow tying it up, this book looks like an enticing package. There is even a little gift tag attached to the ribbon. The text is pretty simplistic and not really one aimed at young kids. The text describes various manifestations of love or romance, often with a touch of humor. The straight forward love doves, pooch smooch and sweet treats are contrasted with slow beau, romance trance and frantic romantic, none of which will make much sense to little kids. The drawings also have a kind of retro look, a bit reminiscent of the 1940s and 50s. This item would be best appreciated by an older teen or an adult. 2005, Little Simon/Simon & Schuster, Ages 12 up, $5.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-87056-6
The Giant Hug
Sandra Horning
Illustrated by Valeri Gorbachev
What could be sweeter than a grandchild giving a grandparent a big hug? Little Owen loves his granny and that is what he wants to send for her birthday, but how can he do that we he lives so far away. Owen's solution is clever. He goes to the post office and asks the postal clerk if he can send a hug. While the request is unusual, the postal worker says that he will give it a try. The story is then set up for a series of amusing situations where the hug is transferred from one postal worker to another. It goes to the mail sorter, to the driver who collects the mail where it is again transferred to another driver who takes it to the airport and hugs the pilot. The mail moves yet again and so does the hug until it finally reaches its destination. Granny is delighted and in return she decides to send her grandson a great big kiss. The closing page shows Owen with a big kiss imprinted on his little face. So readers can only assume that the same series of events have taken place. The drawings are entertaining as all of the participants are an assortment of anthropomorphic animals. Kids and grandparents will enjoy reading this story together. It would work as well for a birthday as for Valentine's Day. Postal workers watch out-this request may come to you; and unfortunately in today's society it may not be taken in the light and sweet vein it is intended. 2005, Alfred A Knopf Young Readers/Random House, Ages 4 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-375-82477-4
Henry and Mudge and Mrs. Hopper's House
Cynthia Rylant
Illustrated by Carolyn Bracken in the style of Suðcie Stevenson
Once again, we get a chance to experience a day in the life of this boy and his dog. It is Valentine's Day and Henry's parents are going to a very fancy dress up ball. Dad is going to wear a tuxedo and Mom a beautiful long dress. Henry will be going across the street to stay with Mrs. Hopper. Henry is just a bit concerned because her house is a little scary looking. It turns out that Mrs. Hopper is quite an interesting person. She plays the violin and serves Henry and Mudge tea. She also is the proud owner of eleven cats and unlike many dogs, Mudge loves cats. The real fun begins when Mrs. Hopper takes Henry to the costume room. Her father was a famous actor and she still has his wardrobe. They have great fun dressing up and acting out various roles. The concluding scene mimics one near the beginning of the story and kids will get a chuckle out of it. It is amazing how Carolyn Bracken is able to continue in the style of the original artist Sucie Stevenson. It wasn't until I looked at the cover that I realized that it was a new artist. Let's hope that this duo will continue to produce more charming adventures involving Henry and his big dog Mudge. A Level 2 "Ready-To-Read" book. 2003, Simon & Schuster, $14.95. Ages 5 to 7. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0689811535
I Love You! A Bushel & A Peck
Frank Loesser
Pictures by Rosemary Wells
If you have been around for awhile and remember the show "Guys and Dolls" the text may be quite familiar. Rosemary Wells has used it to create a series of drawing of two little ducks who reside on a farm. The male duck wants his little female friend know how much he cares for her. Like two love doves, they bill and coo, but in this case it is singing and dancing to "Doodle oodle oodle, doodle oodle oddle." Not content to just call on the phone or court his sweetheart in person, this adventuresome duck even takes to barnstorming and puts a series of kisses represented by Xs and Os up into the sky. It ends with them heading down the road in a red roadster with big tail fins and a wind up key. The final spread offers the words and music to the song. A light upbeat offering that will please the preschool kids. 2005, HarperCollins, Ages 2 to 5, $15.99 and $16.89. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-028549-4
ISBN: 0-06-028550-8
I Love You Through and Through
Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak
Illustrated by Caroline Jayne Church
Toddlers can never hear enough how much they are loved: "I love your top side. I love your bottom side...your silly side, your mad side." Strong black lines outline the child and his teddy bear as they demonstrate each body part or trait that is loved. Clean backgrounds allow the young listening audience to focus on these characters. The expressive child and teddy bear nicely complement the ebullient tone of the text. The soft, squooshy yet durable cover and the thick board pages provide a nice tactile experience for very young children. Parents who are reading this book with their little ones will just naturally finish with a big hug. 2005, Cartwheel/ Scholastic, Ages 0 to 3, $8.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-439-67363-1
If You'll Be My Valentine
Cynthia Rylant
Illustrated by Fumi Kosaka
A young boy makes valentines for those who are special to him: his dog, his cat, his grandmother and other family members, his teddy bear, and even the bird who sings outside his window. The rhymes are simple, reflecting that they are composed by this little boy, and sometimes seem a bit too ordinary. Each mentions something particular he likes to do, such as reading a book, scratching his cat's ears, and taking his teddy bear for a ride in his little car. There is a drawing of the front of each valentine under the verse. The opposite page shows the little boy, or in the case of the card to grandma, a picture of the little boy involved in the activity. The illustrations will appeal to and engage young children. The large size makes this appropriate for group readings, but the text may become a bit tedious. 2005, HarperCollins, Ages 3 to 7, $14.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-009270-X
ISBN: 0-06-009269-6 (lib bdg)
If You Were My Valentine
Charles Ghinga
Illustrated by Tom Starace
In this hear-shaped board book, the verses follow a similar format-"If you were...I'd..." The proclamations all share the theme of a long lasting love and affection. The closing one is amusing "If you were the pages of my book /And I were reading you,/ I'd read as slow as I could go/ So I never would get through." I think the word "to" was missed in the second line, so parents and caregivers can fill it in. The pictures are filled with scenes populated by anthropomorphic animals and have enough in them to keep a parent and child engaged. Nothing special in this Valentine book. 2005, Little Simon/Simon & Schuster, Ages 1 to 3, $4.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-86000-5
It's Happy Bunny Love Bites
Jim Benton
This a strange little book and one that is appropriate for older readers. Happy Bunny has an unusual way of expressing his fondness or affection for someone and is often unlucky in love. His advice is to be taken with a grain of salt to say the least and his advice may cause more distress than success. The left hand page offers the advice and the right hand page shows how Happy Bunny executes and why he fails. It is a little bit racy and it does use language that some may feel inappropriate for kids, but nothing that they and you haven't heard. Good for a laugh, but not recommended as a Valentine's gift unless you know your special someone really well. 2005, Scholastic, Ages 12 up, $7.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-439-69345-4
Little Bear's Valentine
Else Holmelund Minarik
Illustrated by Heather Green
Follow this young bear cub--a lovable character based on the television series Little Bear, as Little Bear himself celebrates Valentine's Day. He walks from the homes of friend to friend in search of his "secret admirer," who left a special card in his mailbox that morning. As he delivers his own homemade valentines to his friends Emily, Hen, Owl, Duck, and of course, his mother, Little Bear figures out one by one who was not the secret admirer, as each friend hands a gift right back to him. By the end of his deliveries, his admirer finally brings herself forward. Pastel drawings on each page carry the reader through and will make children feel as though they are walking along the snow-covered ground right beside Little Bear. This story is appropriate for single-mother families, as the focus is on Little Bear and the special love between him and his mother. 2003, HarperCollins Publishers, $14.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Cherrie Ilg Haas (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-694-01712-4
ISBN: 0-06-052244-5
Louanne Pig in the Mysterious Valentine
Nancy Carlson
Louanne the Pig is back with a delightful story for young readers about a valentine. This valentine is from a secret admirer. As Louanne explores the possibilities of the identity of her secret admirer, she is reminded of all the reasons why each of her classmates would not make a good admirer. Despite her determination to identify her admirer, all she manages to do is create suspicion as she looks into other students' desks and book bags. The story ends without Louanne knowing her admirer, but the reader will know. This is a good story to read aloud, and to reinforce privacy issues with young students. It is also just a delightful, happy story. All elementary classrooms and media centers will want to make sure they have this title in the collection. 2004 (orig. 1985), First Avenue Editions/Lerner Publishing, Ages 5 to 8, $15.95 and $6.95. Reviewer: Joyce Rice (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-57505-671-2
ISBN: 1-57505-722-0
Love & Kisses, Eloise
Marc Cheshire
Illustrated by Ted Enik
Those familiar with Eloise know that nothing seems to dampen her spirits. Valentine's Day is approaching and she has decided to make cards for all of her friends at the Plaza. True to form Eloise manages to create quite a disturbance as she delivers her cards to staff and guests and even plays cupid for those that she thinks need a little help. She and Nanny have a great time buying chocolates and Eloise is thrilled when her mother calls and they have a nice long chat. Mother also sends beautiful red roses and Eloise and Nanny seem perfectly content with their stacks of cards, beautiful roses and boxes of chocolate bon-bons. A fairytale existence that lives on for another generation of readers. The story and art are based on the original work of Kay Thompson and Hilary Knight. 2005, Little Simon/Simon & Schuster, Ages 4 to 8, $3.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-87156-2
Mama Loves You
Caroline Stutson
Illustrated by John Segal
The premise is that all mothers love their offspring and so the message is conveyed by a number of animals and their children. Each spread features a stylized creature such as a big yellow and black striped bee or a big orange butterfly. The text is simple "Come a-buzzing,/ Straight to me./ Mama loves you, / Honeybee. After going through a litany of like text for a porcupine, bee, butterfly, polar bear, humming bird, mouse, bug, deer, and cat, readers reach the end where Mama is holding her little one and declaring "You're my stat,/ My moon, my sun./ Mama loves you,/ Little one. A book that will reinforce that bond between parent and child and provide a nice wind down for the day and a soothing bed time read. 2005, Scholastic, Ages 3 to 5, $6.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-439-57842-6
Minnie and Moo: Will You Be My Valentine?
Denys Cazet
Just when you think that these two bovines can't do anything crazier than in their last outing, along comes another book. This time Moo is reading love poems. Moo wrote a poem called Ode to the Cream Puff for her friend Minnie. Moo then gets a terrific idea. She decides that they will create the "Cupids to Go. Minnie and Moo's Love Poem Service." All they need are tutus, wings, a bow and arrows and the love poems. How amazing that all of that stuff is in the barn. Seeing these two cow cupids is a sight to behold and watching them deliver their poems will bring a laugh. They of course get the farm animals all riled up and then mix up the poems for the farmer and his wife who become angry with each other until they figure out that neither had written the poems. It all ends well with Minnie even composing the final poem. Good for a laugh on Valentines Day. 2003, HarperCollins, $15.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
ISBN: 0-06-623754-8
ISBN: 0-06-623755-6
Puppy Love: Valentine's Day Riddles for the Young at Arf!
Lisa Eisenberg pictures by Dave Klug
"Why is red everyone's favorite color on Valentine's Day? Oh, that's not too heart to explain!" This is the first of nine riddles, all of which have some sort of play on words. It is a fun way for emergent readers to become familiar with the sounds within words. However, the riddles themselves are often flat because they are quite a stretch for the reader. After reading the question, the reader lifts the flap for the answer. Sturdy paper pages comprise this original paperback book in the "Riddle in the Middle" series. The cartoon-style illustrations have a story of their own. Two children and their dog take their art supplies to a friend's house and create valentines. There is another dog, a very fancy poodle, at that house. By the end the two dogs are sharing a Valentine's Day card while the children and a group of their friends have a party. This never rises above the ordinary and therefore it is not a first purchase for library collections. 2004, HarperFestival/ HarperCollins Children's Book, $5.99. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-008824-9
Queen of Hearts
Mary Engelbreit
Ann Estelle loved to make things, and therefore Valentine's Day was one of her favorite holidays. At school she made the most beautiful box for collecting valentines. All her classmates talked about the ribbons, feathers and flowers and even small cars she used to create her masterpiece. There was just one problem. She had worked so hard on the box that she forgot to make valentines for her classmates. Ann Estelle cleverly solves the problem by handing out the parts of her card box that her friends and teacher liked best. Borders of cut paper hearts run along the top of the pages while borders of the items Ann Estelle uses run along the bottom. Ann Estelle's multicultural classmates are dressed in their finest for this happy holiday. It is obvious that Engelbreit likes busy borders. However, they seem appropriate in this story of a little girl who decorates her valentine's card box in an over-the-top way. Although the cover is overly-busy, inside there is enough white space on each page to be able to focus on the children and the story. Purchase if you are in need of an additional title for the holiday collection. 2005, HarperCollins, Ages 4 to 7, $16.89 Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-008181-3
ISBN: 0-06-008182-1
A Recipe for Valentine's Day: A Rebus Lift-the-Flap Story
Marion Dane Bauer
Illustrated by Jennifer Herbert
The traditional symbols of Valentine's Day are brought together in a rhyming text. Included are a bouquet of flowers, a box of candy, Cupid and his bow and arrow, and of course "pretty words." Parents and their preschoolers can enjoy reading this together. The rebus pictures are easy to diecipher, but if there is any problem the reader can lift the flap and read the word. Cartoon style illustrations match the cheeriness of the text. The children in the story create their valentines, share them with their classmates, and dance together at the end. The pages and the flaps are cardboard stock and will not withstand library usage. 2005, Little Simon/ Simon & Schuster, Ages 3 to 5, $6.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-85895-7
Saint Valentine
Ann Tompert
Illustrated by Kñestutis Kasparaviécius
There are few facts known and many legends about the saint who has given his name to the holiday we celebrate on February 14th. He was born in or near Rome in the third century, a Christian priest at a time when Christians were still persecuted. Among the stories told about him is that he sent cutout hearts to comfort imprisoned Christians. He is said to have married soldiers when the emperor Claudius II forbade his soldiers to be married, which cause Valentine to be imprisoned. He tried to convert the emperor, who in turn tried unsuccessfully to make Valentine renounce his religion. The story is that he caused a blind girl to see, gaining converts. But finally he was put to death, traditionally on February 14th around 270 A.D. Naturalistic, detailed, full-page scenes and vignettes describe aspects of third century Rome along with clothing and crafts. Watercolors and black line drawings are effective in paralleling the somewhat low key of the text. There is a sense of peace dominating the pictures, with no harsh color contrasts or descriptions of physical pain. Notes add more factual background. 2004, Boyds Mills Press, $15.95. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 1590781813
Sweet hearts
Jan Carr
Illustrated by Dorothy Donohue
The fun of surprising loved ones with hand-made valentines is celebrated in Carr's simple rhyming text and Donohue's stunning cut-paper art. A little panda bear is busy making valentines of "lace and foil and tissue scraps; Glitter, ribbon, glue" and hiding them all around the house--"Bet you can't guess who!" He sneaks around mysteriously, leaving "One heart on the bathroom mirror, One heart in a shoe, One heart by my mommy's mug to tell her 'I love you!'" And, in the bit of the story likely to be the favorite of young readers, one heart to be gobbled up appreciatively by the family dog. Donohue's paper cutouts are amazingly three-dimensional; one can't resist touching the page to try to feel their apparent textures. What could be more appropriate for a book about making paper valentines than illustrations themselves created with scissors and construction paper and bits of gold foil? An author's note giving the historical background of Valentine's Day and an activity page showing children how to cut hearts from folded paper round out this satisfying holiday offering. 2002, Holiday House, $16.95. Ages 2 to 6. Reviewer: Claudia Mills, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0823417328
A Touch of Love
Melissa Lagonegro
Illustrations by Ruth J. Morehead
The cover with its satin blue heats and little barefoot girl hugging a teddy bear lets one know that this book may be a bit on the saccharine side. The girl wears a dress-even outside in the snow and in other pictures she has on black slippers and white stockings under her dresses. The boy and girl look like little Hummel figurines and not at all like real children. The board book offers something to touch or feel on each spread and will probably appeal to kids from that standpoint. The text and pictures are aimed more at the adult buying the book, since the kids it is being read to will not be old enough to make and mail out Valentines or to give presents. 2004, Golden Books/Random House, Ages 1 to 3, $5.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-375-82999-7
Valentine's Day
Natalie M. Rosinsky
Reading adviser, Linda D. Labbo
Separated into nine chapters with each asking a pertinent question about the holiday, this provides a good amount of information. Readers will learn how Valentine's Day began, who St. Valentine was, symbols and the story behind the cards, how the day is celebrated in the U.S. and around the world. Large print and good white space make this accessible to newly independent readers. Interesting photographs accompany each one-page chapter. There is a palm leaf shaped umbrella shielding a heart-shaped box of candy, a painting of St. Valentine, and a photo of a dog outside the post office watching over a card and box of candy. Part of the "Let's See Library," it includes an index and a glossary, several other interesting facts, books for further reading and several web sites. A nicely put together holiday package. 2003, Compass Point, $18.60. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0756503930
Valentine's Day
Julie Murray
That Valentine's Day offers an occasion to send a card or give a gift to a friend is stated on the first page of this very slim volume of ABDO's "Holidays" series. ("People give each other valentines on Valentine's Day. A valentine can be a box of chocolates. It can be a gift of flowers.") From then on, it is mostly speculation and a rehash of dubious "historical" information culled from other books without benefit of real research. If there was a St. Valentine, he lived in the third century A. D. and had nothing to do with lovers or courting couples. The author correctly states that the custom of sending cards, which has led to today's commercialization of the holiday, began in the early nineteenth century. Aside from the photo of a Victorian valentine, the illustrations are irrelevant or resemble contemporary ads for Valentine chocolates or heart-shaped balloons. The oversized print of the text may put off students old enough to read it, while any useful information conveyed about the holiday could just as easily be picked up on a Valentine tour through the local supermarket. 2003, ABDO, $21.35. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1577659546
Valentine's Day
Anne Rockwell
Pictures by Lizzy Rockwell.
At school everyone is busy making valentines to send to their friend Michiko in Japan. As they cut, paste and decorate, they reflect back on the wonderful times they had with their friend. After they finish, all the kids head off to the post office to mail their cards. Later in the week, a package arrives and it has valentines for each of them from Michiko. It is a cheerful story filled with a multicultural cast of kids. The big question, however, that parents and caregivers will be asked--why is Michiko in Japan? Was she only a visitor to the school, or is she just visiting her grandparents and due to return--a good subject for discussion. There is also a challenge offered to kids by the illustrator, who asks them to find the more than two hundred hearts depicted throughout. 2001, HarperCollins, $14.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0060277947
ISBN: 006028515X
Valentine's Day
Kathryn A. Imler
Thirteen chapters consisting of two facing pages each convey various aspects of the history and celebration of Valentine's day. Information about the ancient Roman Empire festival to celebrate the first day of spring (February 15) provides background for the introduction of a Catholic priest named Valentine who married young couples contrary to the emperor's law which demanded that young men become soldiers and remain single. Valentine was executed on February 14. Celebrations honoring his memory became common throughout Europe and spread to the colonies of North America. Customs and symbols associated with the holiday are briefly described. A timeline, glossary, bibliography, and index are included for young researchers. Part of the "Holiday Histories" series. 2003, Heinemann, $22.79. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-4034-3502-2
ISBN: 1-4034-3687-8
Valentine's Day
Cynthia Klingel and Robert B. Noyed
Valentine's Day is a day for hearts, flowers and love is the message here. Part of the "Wonder Books" series, this is a Nonfiction Level Two book and is generally successful for its purpose. With two large-type simple sentences surrounded by much white space, this is intended for the beginning reader. It sometimes raises more questions than provides answers ("Valentine's Day started long ago in other countries. It was sometimes called by other names."). What other countries? What other names? Basic information is given about the symbols, and there are pictures of two antique cards. Most the photographs are contemporary pictures of a child with a teacher, parent, or classmate, a couple getting married and a flower shop. An index, a list of more books to read and two web sites are given. 2003, The Child's World, $21.36. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-5676-6957-3
Valentine's Day
Jason Cooper
Each page discusses a different aspect of the holiday: the history of the cards, the symbols, Cupid and St. Valentine. Photographs show the usual: primary grade students making, sending and receiving valentines, a gentleman in a tuxedo carrying a box of red roses, and a statue of a cupid. Simple sentences and good use of white space make this accessible to the newly independent reader. Part of the "Holiday Celebrations" series, this includes an index, a website and two books for further reading. The Glossary gives the pronunciation for "Cupid" as "KEW pud" which differs from my Webster's Third New International Dictionary. A serviceable volume for primary grades. 2003, Rourke, $19.27. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1589522222
Valentine's Day
Brenda Haugen
Illustrated by Todd Ouren
The short text and minimal amount of information in this volume of the "Holidays and Celebrations" series is spread out over large bright pages and inscribed in an oversized font. Most of the facts related are self-evident ("On Valentine's Day, hearts of all sizes are easy to find. These hearts are usually pink or red"). The practice, found here and in many informational and textbooks, of passing on unresearched information from other authors was often challenged by writer Stephen Jay Gould. In this volume, supposed historical background focuses on the Roman observance in honor of Februata Juno, even though historians find a link to Valentine's Day extremely dubious. Valentine himself was a third-century martyr who had no connection at all to marrying young couples. Some symbols, however, like Cupid and lovebirds are correctly explained and appealingly pictured. It is hard to resist the urge to cut up this colorful book to decorate cards or perhaps the Valentine mailbox for which directions are given. At the end, young readers will find some Fun Facts and a bibliography including Jack Prelutsky's It's Valentine's Day, which comes closer to the heart of what the day really means to kids. 2004, Picture Window, $21.26. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-4048-0193-6
The Valentine Express
Nancy Elizabeth Wallace
A teacher, Mrs. Bloom, shares with her class the history of Valentine's Day. She explains that it is a time of love and friendship. The children decide to have a party and parents bring in heart-shaped cookies and others bring lemonade and cards to share with everyone. When Minnie and Pip were walking home from school they see their older neighbor and wonder if older people ever get valentine cards. The family decides to make special valentines for all the individuals in the neighborhood. The story goes on from there and many different kinds of cards are discussed and are depicted when they are completed. This story gives a warm and thoughtful message to children and the illustrations really add to the enjoyment of the story. Children will enjoy looking at all the valentines throughout the book. This would be an excellent book for the classroom and can be used as a guide for a classroom project of possibly making valentines for nursing homes and hospitals. Wallace does an excellent job in creating a delightful story as well as sending an important message of doing something kind for others. 2004, Marshall Cavendish, $16.95. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Kathie M. Josephs (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7614-5183-8
Valentine Hearts: Holiday Poetry
Selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins
Illustrated by JoAnn Adinolfi
Think of this collection as twelve special valentines selected and sent to those just beginning to read. They will discover poems with simple language and clever ideas as well as some phrasing that delightfully trips off the tongue ("I'm littered with glitter"). Included are poems by Hopkins, Marilyn Singer and others. Topics are child-centered. There is a poem for the crossing guard, a best friend, and "the best dog a girl ever had." One poem addresses the problem of not receiving a valentine from a special person. Adinolfi's illustrations have a naiveté to them that suits the tone and they have an appropriate sense of joy that celebrates this holiday of friendship and love. Part of the "I can read" series, this will be a welcome addition to the Valentine's Day book collection. 2005, HarperCollins, Ages 5 to 8, $16.89. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-008057-4
ISBN: 0-06-008058-2
The Way I Love You
David Bedford and Ann James
A little pig-tailed girl reiterates what she "loves" about her dog. The straightforward text has been expanded through the appealing and expressive loose-style illustrations created in a soft palette and outlined in black crayon. From sharing treats to sharing secrets; from playtime to bath time to bedtime, this young child and her dog are inseparable. It is no wonder for their friendship is strong and true. Caring, understanding and "the way you're always there" are characteristics of this friendship, and certainly any friendship worth having. Children who have a dog or long for a dog will relate to this book. This is perfect for preschool storytimes about friends or dogs. 2004, Simon & Schuster, Ages 3 to 7, $12.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-87625-4
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Added 1/15/05
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