Children's books and book reviews - reading resource for kids, teachers, librarians, parents





*Valentine Surprise* by Corinne Demas, illustrated by R.W. Alley
 
Also by Corinne Demas:

Halloween Surprise

Always in Trouble

 
Also illustrated by R.W. Alley:

Paddington

Paddington Bear Goes to Market

Paddington Bear All Day

Halloween Surprise
Valentine Surprise
by Corinne Demas, illustrated by R.W. Alley
Ages 4-8 32 pages Walker Books December 2007 Hardcover    

Whether sharing her own coming-of-age story with adults in Eleven Stories High or charming children with a delightful tale of the holiday season and finding new friends in Two Christmas Mice, Corinne Demas never fails to please her readers. With acclaimed artist R. W. Alley, whose familiar watercolor and pencil illustrations grace the pages of the Paddington series, these two talents combine to give young readers a lovely Valentine’s Day story.

When dedicated artist and loving daughter Lily realizes there is only one week until Valentine’s Day, she wants to make her Mommy a Valentine that will be just perfect. Each day, however, as Lily tries to make that ideal heart, it just doesn’t turn out right. One day it is too skinny, another day too round. From Monday through Sunday, Lily uses all her paper to try one more time for the heart she will be proud to present.

Alas, Valentine’s Day arrives, and no perfect heart. With a last-minute idea, Lily decides to link the hearts together and present them to Mommy apologetically saying, “But none of the hearts is perfect,” but Mommy lets her know how perfect they are because the heart that matters is inside Lily.

Lively illustrations and engaging dialogue show the frantic frustration and inexhaustible love that our little artist Lilly experiences in Valentine Surprise, not only making this a perfect book for the holiday but also teaching shapes and days of the week to young readers. Bright colors, kitties, and Lily’s attempts at creating a traditional handmade Valentine all come together for a simply sweet story that will be read and shared many times for years to come.
 


click here to browse children's board book reviews
click here to browse children's picture book reviews
click here to browse young readers book reviews
click here to browse young readers book reviews
click here to browse young adult book reviews
click here to browse parenting book reviews
 
web reviews
  Karen D. Haney/2008 for curled up with a good kid's book  






For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews,
visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)