If You Were My Valentine

This Valentine-themed follow-up to If I Could Give You Christmas is an adorable celebration of love and the special relationship between parents and children.\nIf you were my valentine,
I would jump, jump with joy!\nValentine's Day is for cuddles, sweet treats, silly games, and spending time with the ones we hold dear. Join all kinds of animals and their valentines—from rabbits and puffins, to cougars and otters, to a bigger-than-big whale—in this cozy picture book celebration of love.\nFrom School Library Journal\nPreS-Gr.2—A wonderful Valentine's holiday book, which conveys the message that love should be shared all throughout the year. On each page, an animal family shares their idea of what they do with their child if "you were my Valentine." A whale would make a big splash for their child, while a bird would make their child's day "sweeter than sweet." Each page leads readers closer to the final message: Love should be heard every single day. Plourde's tale is simple and touching, with just a few words on each page. Illustrations by Meyer are very detailed. Each animal has a special added human quality, such as a hat or pair of glasses. The colors are both vibrant and soothing at the same time. This is a book that can be shared with children of all ages. Even the youngest children, including toddlers, will be fascinated by the colorful images and drawn in by the beautiful message. VERDICT Recommended for public and elementary school libraries, as families will enjoy reading it together over and over again.—Sara Collins