Valentine's Day Is Cool

October 14, 2013
Appropriately enough, Pete’s latest includes some valentines for readers: a large foldout poster, a sheet of stickers, and 12 punch-out cards. In the accompanying story, Pete starts out as a skeptic: “Valentine’s Day is not cool,” he tells his friend Callie. She responds that it’s her favorite holiday, and Pete needs no more convincing than that—as soon as he gets home, he starts making homemade cards. By book’s end, Pete has distributed valentines throughout his community; he forgets about Callie, but she’s understanding: “Hanging out with you... that’s way better than any card.” Just like Pete skateboards his way through town, he slides through these minor Valentine’s Day dramas effortlessly. Ages 4–8.

December 15, 2013
Preschool-K Pete the Cat, with his droopy eyes, doesn't seem like the kind of dude to dig Valentine's Dayand he's not. But his feelings change quickly when he skateboards past his friend Callie, who tells him it's her favorite holiday. After skating away, Pete thinks about how special each of his friends are and sets to making the perfect cards to celebrate them. Larry gets a valentine with a picture of a football; Trey gets a guitar; and John, a piano. Soon, he's making a card for the school bus driver, the crossing guard, and the librarian. But there's one bestie he's forgot . . . Callie! This sweet book commemorates love between friends and gratitude for people who help you every day. Librarians, beware: this includes Valentine's cards, stickers, and a poster, so, although it may not be right for all collections, some kid (or kids) is going to have fun with Pete this Valentine's Day. As the title page says, I Meow You.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)