Valentine Poems

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

This collectionlike receiving an unexpected Valentineis absolutely delightful. A companion to Livingston's other holiday poetry collections, the poems range from the traditional ``Roses are Red'' to the whimsical ``courtship swoon by a midnight moon/ Of an Octopus he and she.'' The joy and nonsense of Valentine's Day appear in 20 deftly illustrated and well-chosen poems. Candy hearts are ``spiced with/ Mottoes: SURE/ THING, OH BOY/ Each one like a reckless wink.'' A doting kangaroo proposes, ``Oh, come and be my bouncing bride,/ My valentine, my side-by-side,/ I am in love with you.'' Brewster's festive picturesberibboned mice, a timid rabbit in owl-eyed glasses, hearts and flowers sprinkled like confetti on well-designed pagesare playful and tender. (5-8)

School Library Journal

Gr 1-3 A short anthology of poems for Valentine's Day that combines first-rate humorous and romantic verses by both contemporary and traditional poets. Both young listeners and independent readers will find the selections appealing. Brewster's humorous red and blue pencil illustrations of animals suit each poem. Similar to Lee Bennett Hopkins and Tomie dePaola's collection, Good Morning to You, Valentine (HBJ, 1976), Valentine Poems will be a plus for both school and public libraries needing Valentine's Day material. Alice Cronin, Belleville Public Lib . , N.J.