Children's Books to Celebrate Valentine's Day
By Holly E. Newton

	Karen Katz has the cutest board book for the littlest valentine: Where is Baby's Valentine? The cover has a shiny foil heart that will instantly catch baby's eye. This same bright heart can be found under each flap as you turn the pages.
Click to Buy	Cam Jansen: The Valentine Baby Mystery, by David Adler, is a wonderful short chapter book with all the simple elements of a good mystery for early readers. I can't believe that the author has been writing these fun, short mysteries for 25 years! The back of this book has some quick and interesting puzzles that celebrate the many years this series has been around.
Click to Buy	The Secret of Love, illustrated by Sarah Emmanuelle Burg, is simple, yet very powerful. This wordless book has two friends who end up fighting for a heart growing out of the ground and ripping the heart in half. This makes both children very upset and ultimately propelling them into forgiveness and acceptance. The strong theme of love overcoming difficulties can be learned in this beautiful picture book. The etchings are drawn in black and white with the only color being red for the heart growing in the ground. There are many subtleties to learn and understand, making this book very good for all ages.
Click to Buy	Bear of my Heart, by Joanne Ryder, and beautifully painted by Margie Moore, is a wonderful example of parental love. The poetic text seems to lull the small bear to a rhythmic security as the mother expresses her feelings for her cub. No matter how big you may grow, dear, or whether we're near or apart, I will love you forever and ever, for YOU are the bear of my heart. This picture book is perfect for ages 3 to 6.
Click to Buy	You can't celebrate Valentine's Day without the classic picture book: The Day It Rained Hearts, by Felicia Bond. This delightful book was first published in 1983 and has been reissued several times, as recently as a few months ago. This ingenious story tells about how Cornelia found it raining hearts one day and decided to make Valentines for her friends. The story shows how friendships can be made strong by simple acts.
Click to Buy	Here's a picture book that you can sing to your sweetheart. The Ballad of Valentine, by Alison Jackson, and illustrated by Tricia Tusa, is based on the familiar folk song, Clementine. A lone suitor longs to announce his love to his sweet Valentine but, alas, has great difficulty delivering the message. By way of train (that derails), and smoky love signs (wind blew them away), this poor lover is just about to give up. But once again, love conquers all. If the lyrical text doesn't get you to smile, the clever illustrations surely will!
	Now for a picture book with a cattitude: Mr. Pusskins: A Love Story, by Sam Lloyd, is about an unappreciative cat who expects much and appreciates little. His entire demeanor exudes ornery meanness, even the inside front covers will make you cringe. Nail marks are covered across both pages, along with Mr. Pusskins clawing his nails on the final mark. But something happens to this cranky fur-ball that changes his heart. The end papers have the scratches still on the wall, but the look of innocent guilt is hilarious.
Click to Buy	I'm saving the best for last. Pierre In Love, by Sara Pennypacker, and perfectly painted by Petra Mathers, is the ultimate love story. A lovesick sailor seeks the attention of a pretty painter who is unaware of his aspiring affection. Catherine was exquisite, an angel of grace and beauty, and he was only an ordinary fisherman. The wondrous outcome alone is enough to celebrate Valentine's Day. But, along with the inspiring message and winsome watercolors, the perfect text will propel you also to admission of love.

Holly Evans Newton has taught kindergarten through 7th grades for 25 years. She received her B.S. from Utah State University in Logan, Utah, and her M.A. from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. She has three sons who have served full time missions, two younger daughters, plus four adorable grandchildren. She has been married to Dale Karl Newton for 34 years. She is currently serving as ward organist and Relief Society pianist in Phoenix, Arizona.

Holly is the recent recipient of the prestigious Literacy Award presented to her by the International Reading Association. She writes a weekly children's book review for the largest distributed newspaper throughout mid-Missouri. She was seen for eight years on the NBC affiliate in Missouri and now is on the NBC affiliate in Phoenix for her weekly children’s book reviews. She presents book presentations to schools where her knowledge, experience and enthusiasm are valued by educators, students and parents. What sets her apart from other reviewers is her goal to find the best books for kids by reading books cover to cover and making sure there is no inappropriate language or sexual content. You can find her past book reviews on her website: www.newtonsbook.com