IF YOU’LL BE MY VALENTINE

“If you’ll be my valentine / I’ll kiss you on the nose / I’ll scratch your ears / and rub your head / and pet your little toes,” writes a young boy to his kitten. Each double-page spread presents the rhyming text of a Valentine’s Day card above a picture of the card that he’s created. There is one for all of the special someones in his life. He also writes to his dog, grandmother, siblings, teddy, parents, and a bird outside his window. The Valentine’s wishes end as he’s tucked into bed with a kiss on the cheek. Rylant’s sweet, simple rhymes capture the likely sentiments of a toddler without resorting to syrup or sentimentality. Kosaka’s serene, silly, smiling cartoon toddler, captured mostly in close-up with the object of his Valentine, is rendered in bright chalk pastel. The text and illustrations are a fine match, making this an excellent addition to holiday collection. (Picture book. 3-8)