Valentine Mice!

December 30, 1996
decorated cards to woodland pals. Roberts's simple, somewhat choppy text introduces beginning readers to basic words and rhyming sounds as the four mice, bundled up against the cold, make their rounds: "One to the rabbit, two for the squirrels, three for the chipmunks. Zip! Nip!" After tossing the remaining Valentines into the air ("Shower valentines! THROW! THROW! THROW!"), three seemingly punchy mice make a sobering discovery: the fourth has disappeared. Cushman's motion-filled, festive watercolors humorously document the rescue of the missing mouse, who has become buried in snow. The artist realizes a welcome balance of the real and the whimsical, giving preschoolers the chance to identify various animal species while enjoying such lighthearted images as a moose with a Valentine tucked into its antlers. A spirited if slight holiday caper. Ages 3-6.

January 1, 1998
PreS-Gr 1-Four bustling mice deliver Valentine's Day cards to animals living in a snowy forest. The rhyming text is cheerful and moves along quickly: "More to deliver. Cross the pond./Slide. Glide. Slip! Flip!" The smallest mouse is temporarily buried in snow, causing the only moment of anxiety in the story. Will the others find him? Can they pull him out? Not to worry. This holiday devoted to love would not be complete without a group hug to make the cold little creature feel better. The bright watercolor cartoons add to the sense of fun. The pleased expressions of the creatures receiving the cards are charming. A curious note: the mice are dressed in winter clothes complete with hats and mittens, but the other animals have only their natural fur. A fun offering, though not a must-have.-Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

December 15, 1997
Ages 3^-5. Four mice head out to deliver valentines in the snowy forest. The three bigger mice are so busy tossing valentines to their animal friends that it takes a while for them to notice that the smallest mouse is missing. Readers know he has been in a mini-avalanche, and the mild tension in the book comes from the hunt for the missing mouse and the successful effort to dig him out. The slight story is bolstered by perky watercolor-and-ink pictures featuring a nice array of animals. Libraries are often in need of books for this popular holiday; this is an acceptable if not exciting choice. ((Reviewed December 15, 1997))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1997, American Library Association.)