FICTION

First Valentine

by Kallie George (text) & illus. by Joelle Murray
Scholastic/Cartwheel. Dec. 2022. 24p. pap. $7.99. ISBN 9781338803938.
COPY ISBN
PreS–In this Valentine’s story, a child called little friend struggles to make a heart for a valentine. Little friend’s dog is there for support but cutting a valentine shape is still hard. The first attempt results in a circle, followed by a square, then a rectangle, triangle, and star. It seems like making a heart will never be a success. Little friend is ready to give up and sits on the chair with legs up, arms crossed, and sad eyes. Even the dog looks worried. The mood changes when little friend looks down at the floor and sees that all the shapes have come together into the shape of a heart. The story has a happy ending when little friend gets to present the piece of art to grateful recipients. Text and illustrations work well together. Little friend and other characters are Black.
VERDICT Recommended; this title combines the theme of Valentine’s Day with lessons on shapes and not giving up when faced with a challenge.
Reviewed by Robin Sofge , Dec 01, 2022

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Maddie and Mabel Ready for Snow
by Allen, Kari
BOOKS

Welcome to the Woofmore
by Gephart, Donna & Lori Haskins Houran
BOOKS

Eleven Houses
by Oakes, Colleen
BOOKS

Don’t Let the Forest In
by Drews, CG
BOOKS

Summer Nights and Meteorites
by Reynolds, Hannah
BOOKS

A Vile Season
by Ferraro, David
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?