From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 3-Continuing their series of picture books depicting special days (Career Day [2000], Show & Tell Day [1997], Halloween Day [1997], and Thanksgiving Day [1999, all HarperCollins]), the Rockwells have again produced a realistic example of a classroom celebration. Mrs. Madoff's students are busy making valentines for Michiko, who is visiting family in Japan. Using construction paper, crayons, glitter glue, etc., each child creates a card and writes a personal message to her. Each valentine appears on a page with the short text that describes it, while the picture opposite illustrates the sentiment with which it was designed. For example, "Sarah's valentine is pink. Her valentine says, 'I miss you every single day, especially when it's snack time,'" is accompanied by a picture of the two girls sitting at a table sharing crackers and juice. Finally, the class takes a field trip to the post office to mail the cards. On Valentine's Day, they enjoy the origami valentines they receive from Michiko, and exchange cards as well. With a simple and accessible text that accurately reflects the language of preschool and primary classrooms, this book depicts a common childhood experience. The animated, colored-pencil illustrations give life to the faces of the classmates, as well as to their crafts and activities.
Piper L. Nyman, Fairfield/Suisun Community Library, Fairfield, CA Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Ages 5-7. The children of Mrs. Madoff's class are making valentines for a "special friend." Each valentine recalls something about the recipient or expresses an emotion. Nicholas' card says, "you always let me take a turn on the slide." Sarah's pink valentine says, "I miss you every single day, especially when it's snack time." The text leaves the valentine recipient unnamed (too bad the flap copy doesn't), but children can get a clue by looking at the engaging illustrations that feature a Japanese girl having fun with her school chums, flying kites, buying shoes, sharing snacks, and going down slides. The valentines are sent to Japan, and on Valentine's Day, a box arrives at the classroom from Michiko. In it are origami valentines in the shape of birds, fish, and cats, as well as a photo of Michiko and her grandparents. The friendly text matches the well-executed pictures of friends. Kids need not have read the Rockwells' other books about this classroom, but those who have will welcome a return.
Ilene CooperCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
