Happy Valentine’s Day! Happy (Chinese) New Year! Happy . . . Snow Day! Celebrate some special days in February with these five special books.
By Sheila Welch
NATE THE GREAT AND THE MUSHY VALENTINE by Marjorie Sharmat will delight both boys and girls as they try to solve the dual mystery surrounding a valentine that’s been received and another that’s been lost. Marc Simont’s expressive color sketches of the multi-racial cast of characters are sprinkled throughout the book, adding to the fun. For K -- 3rd graders.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY, DELORES is written and illustrated by Barbara Samuels. Told from the little sister’s point of view, this charming picture book incorporates both the rivalry and love between siblings. The illustrations -- brightly colored, detailed, and cartoony -- add an extra layer to the story as Delores peeks, sneaks, and borrows from her older sister, getting deeper and deeper into trouble. This tale manages to be equally heartwarming and humorous. For K -- 4th graders.
THE YUCKIEST, STINKIEST, BEST VALENTINE EVER by Brenda Ferber is a rollicking tale that will remind young readers of several classic folktales. Laid out in comic book style, the illustrations by Tedd Arnold are big, bright, and appealing When Leon decides to make a Valentine for the girl he loves, the paper heart he cuts out refuses to cooperate. It runs away, proclaiming, “Love is Yucky. Stinky too. It will turn your brain to Goo!” Young readers and listeners will be on the edge of their seats as they wonder, will love conquer all? For pre-schoolers -- 4th graders.
In the northern states, one holiday can come as a surprise. SNOW DAY! by Barbara Joosse, illustrated by Jennifer Plecas, is all about the joy of one such unexpected day off from school and work. Robby’s whole family finds special ways to celebrate. Robby eats white bread with snowy powdered sugar for breakfast. His sister Louise makes snow angels. His parents join in a snowball fight. And while the humans curl up in front of the fireplace, the family dog hogs the blanket. For pre-schoolers -- 2nd graders.
Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith’s nonfiction book, CELEBRATING THE CHINESE NEW YEAR, is chock full of fascinating information. Photographer Lawrence Migdale follows a boy named Ryan, who lives in San Francisco, as his family prepares for and celebrates the New Year. This book is rich with background details, such as how Ryan’s grandmother came to California on a freighter and worked at many jobs, including sewing pockets on jeans for 25 cents a dozen. For 3rd -- 5th graders (younger for reading aloud).
Sheila Kelly Welch is a mother, grandmother and retired teacher. She’s been writing all her life and counts among her children’s fiction books Little Prince Know-It-All and A Horse for All Seasons. Sheila's most recent book, WAITING TO FORGET, published by namelos, has been selected by Bank Street College and Pennsylvania School Library Association for their lists of best-books-of-the-year.
You can learn more about Sheila on her web site.
