by Jennifer Galvin
Valentine’s Day. Love, hearts, candy, lace, chocolate, and...books? Yes, books! If a book is good enough, I fall in love and then I just can’t quit on the characters or the book. The pages hold me reading, turning page after page until I finish. Reading is all about love. This Valentine’s Day, I hope some of these fabulous books will lead you to fall in love with reading all over again!
Faith, Hope, and Ivy June
(Delacorte Press, $16.99; ages 9-12) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. When Ivy June and Catherine both get picked for an exchange program, the Kentucky girls each wonder what the others life will be like. The journey to Lexington for Ivy June and to the mountains of Kentucky for Catherine is a journey well worth taking. Join Ivy June and Catherine this Valentine’s Day for a look at life from two different perspectives. As Catherine and Ivy June become friends, they learn that the differences in their lives may be vast, but the things they have in common are what really count in life.
Bear Of My Heart
(Little Simon, $8.99; baby-preschool) by Joanne Ryder. Warm, luminous illustrations and loving words will warm your heart this Valentine’s Day as you cuddle up together and read about this mama and baby bear. This mama and baby bear share stories, hugs, dreams, and snuggles. They also share togetherness and love that will last forever—a wonderful Valentine’s Day read!
Bear Hugs
(McElderry Books, $9.99; ages 3-6) by Karma Wilson. For a book full of silly, fun animal love poems, give this book a try—Valentine’s Day or any day! Bright, colorful illustrations of whimsical animals almost seem to dance right off the pages. From a “rinocerkiss” to a “pignic” this book is packed with fun animal poems sure to bring some fun into Valentine’s Day.
Smile!
(Balzer & Bray, $16.99; ages 3-7) by Leigh Hodgkinson. When Sunny loses her smile, she looks everywhere for it. She looks under her bed. She even cleans her room. She is desperate! As she is looking and looking, she starts playing with her dog and gets happy without even realizing it. Poof, all of a sudden, her smile is spotted by her twin brothers! Vibrant, bold illustrations fill this charming book that will have you smiling all winter long.
The Kissing Hand
(Tanglewood Press, $16.95; ages 3-8) by Audrey Penn. Chester Raccoon is nervous about school, but his mother reassures him with a kiss on the hand to remind him that her love is always with him. Upon arrival at school Chester shares a kiss back with her to reassure her that his love is always with her as well. A wonderful story of love for Valentine’s Day and any day. Even includes stickers at the back to make your own “Kissing Hands.”
The Magical Ms. Plum
(Alfred A. Knopf, $12.99; ages 7-11) by Bonny Becker. Is Ms. Plum magical, or is it the supply closet? No matter, whenever Ms. Plum asks a student to go to the supply closet, something special happens. Will a special team of squirrel beauticians appear? Or a miniature horse? Or monkeys with treats for everyone? It depends on who goes in the closet and just what that person needs. Join Ms. Plum and her class for a wonderful year of magic! This is definitely a book to fall in love with this Valentine’s Day! V
Jennifer Galvin is never far from her children, a paintbrush, or a good book. Find her on the Web at www.jennifergalvin.com.