Here is a delightful and educational book
about ... Valentine's Day shapes. I enjoyed the
illustrations immensely and liked the educational content. This would be a
household favorite, I think, though I found myself wishing for more actual
story. I also was not crazy about the way the text was laid out on the page.
Why not integrate it with the art more? I would not place this as a Valentine's
Day book, regardless of the title. But as a concept book, it's fun with lots to
look at and items and shapes to name. My trusty assistant* would consider this
a favorite!
The adult reader will for sure relate to
the bear who just wants some friggin QUIET! Throughout the story the poor bear
is beset by his best friend with questions and requests and just a whole lot of
chatter. Like the bear, I found his best friend irritating. And given how
irritating, I wasn't entirely convinced in the bear's avowal of affection at
the end. The illustrations were light and happy, the story simple enough, if
long. A cute, non-love-and-hearts Valentine's find!
The sweet illustrations perfectly match an
equally sweet story of a surprising friendship. A bear finds surprises (edible
ones) and eventually starts leaving gifts of his own. Of course the adult in me
was thinking, "No, don't it's a hunter's ploy! He wants you for a bearskin
rug!" But it wasn't a hunter. Nope, rather a sweet little... HAH I won't
spoil it. The repetition was engaging, but overall I thought it was perhaps a
bit too repetitive. The back and forth went on perhaps too long without
anything else happening. My preference: this maybe should have been a 10-16pg
board book instead of a 32pg picture book. Of the new Valentine's Day books
however, this is a winner.
The adult me loves this book. Concept,
illustrations spot on. The story of a zombie looking for love in all the
seemingly right places is just what I'd expect. And the solution, zombie meets
zombie, also expected. The twist on a popular pop song was less expected and
highly funny (for me, the adult), but overall I found it a bit wordy and
predictable. Slight, like an underfed zombie. So because I'm an adult, I'm
giving it four stars for my own reading enjoyment. As a parent and for my inner
child, I would give it three. For the simple reason that my four-year-old
assistant would not let me read her this book. Too scary. And I think the
dating theme was handled a bit too maturely for the audience. But the
illustrations are boss. Can I say "boss"? Probably not. I'm probably
too old. Sorry.
I absolutely love the illustrations, and
the voice of the story and the story itself. I did not, however, fully
"get" the abstract concept. I know the author doesn't want it to be
pedantic, and I appreciate that, but if I didn't really catch on, I wonder how
well a child will? I wanted more direction/author intrusion. Very pretty book,
however.
Sweet little heart-catching girl makes
valentines for all her friends. What a delightful book! I love the happy
illustrations, the craft-ability, and how well the illustrations and spare text
work together. I was surprised to see who the valentines went to - perfect for
a child's world. This is a classic. I can see why it's still a favorite after
so many years.
A story of a girl whose Valentine's Day is
nearly ruined all because ... Ha, I almost did it again. I love the explosion
of pink in the illustrations. And I love the subtle switch-up of the
valentine's with Daddy's work papers. The text could have been a bit trimmer,
but this is a fun, girl-friendly Valentine's Day book.
*Four-year-old Little Miss Rowdy Britches
