Be My Valenslime

Tarantino's chipper picture book about a crew of monsters wraps Valentine's Day traditions in the message of 1 Corinthians 13. Confronted by the idea that "monsters DON'T DO Valentine's Day!" green-hued Snoodle, who loves "candy hearts/ and fun parties/ and fuzzy kittens...// and valentines!" sees a challenge. Her mission to prove that her favorite holiday is "the BEST" begins with coaching the others on how to decorate a valentine box. But when the monsters send the glue and paint flying, Snoodle stays calm, because "after all, love is patient." When another monster lends his claws as a substitute for scissors, Snoodle is grateful, "because love is always kind--and never rude." As the messages continue, Doerrfeld's gleefully frenetic depictions of party monsters and a slimy valentine creation get right to the heart of the matter, offering readers memorable images of love in action. Ages 3-7. (Dec.)

Snoodle doesn't fit in with the other monsters. That's because Snoodle loves candy hearts, sparkly stickers, and valentines. The other monsters don't do Valentine's Day. Snoodle decides to convince her friends-"I'll prove Valentine's is the BEST!"-and that's where the fun begins. Children will enjoy this silly story and love to look through the vibrant, detailed illustrations. Educators will find numerous connections to makerspaces and creating Valentine's art. But this book's biggest strength goes beyond its holiday tie-in and fun: There are powerful messages about the nature of love on almost every page. For example, when the monsters go wild during a craft lesson, Snoodle remembers that, "love is patient." VERDICT Highly recommended. An accomplishment, this book manages to be simultaneously important and fun.-Christina Salazar.

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