Will you be my valentine? - Softcover

In this collaboration between two well-known picture book creators, Kroll's endearing if somewhat precious story features Hoban's characteristically angelic, chubby-cheeked children. Just before Valentine's Day, Thomas's teacher asks her students to pick a name out of a hat to determine which classmate they'll make a Valentine for. When he selects Gretchen's name, Thomas is thrilled, for "He liked everything about her: her ponytail, her shiny neat bangs, the way she smiled." At home, the towhead happily creates an elaborate Valentine for his would-be sweetheart. But at school, the ladylike Gretchen, clad in patterned dress and lacy white pinafore, expresses no interest in Thomas. The half-made Valentine ends up in the trash, until the two children spend a fun-filled Saturday afternoon together, and Thomas resumes work on his card. There's one more glitch before the expected happy, rather sticky-sweet ending. (This rambling tale's overall sweetness, in fact, will most likely find greater favor with girls than with boys.) Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

PreSchool-Grade 2-- A preschool teacher instructs her students to each make a valentine for another classmate. Thomas draws Gretchen's name and while she is his favorite girl in the class, the feeling is not mutual. In fact, Thomas and Gretchen do not share many interests, it seems, until his mother arranges for a Saturday play date at his house. While incredibly predictable, the story offers positive ways that young children can resolve differences. The gentle text, combined with Hoban's charming illustrations, is a surefire winner for the picture-book set, not just for Valentine's Day, but as a model for forging friendships at any age. --Mollie Bynum, Chester Valley Elementary School, Anchorage, AK
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.