Valentine, Paperback

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Paddy Bouma's soft watercolors highlight this unusual Valentine's Day story of a loving grandmother-granddaughter relationship. Heather is disappointed that Mama can't stay home from work to spend the holiday with her. Making cookies with Grandma-including a big, heart-shaped one for Mama-cheers her up. But when Heather and Grandma check on the sheep, they find one of the new lambs cold and still. Young children will identify with Heather's pride in helping care for the lamb and her joyful anticipation of another surprise to share with Mama.

Carol Carrick has written more than twenty-five well-received books for Clarion, including PATRICK'S DINOSAURS, one of the many books illustrated by her late husband, Donald Carrick. She lives in West Tisbury, Massachusetts.

"Heather, who appears to be four or five years old, misses Mama whenever she goes to work, but especially on Valentine’s Day. . . . Caring for one of the creatures helps distract Heather from her sadness, and all ends well, with cookies and a lamb named Valentine. Accompanied by soft pastel watercolors that reflect the text, this is a simple, reassuring story."

Booklist, ALA

"In this quiet, James Herriot–style story, Heather’s self-pity evaporates as she tends the sickly newborn lamb Grandma discovers later that morning in the barn. . . . Carrick portrays Heather’s sadness, anger and happy realization that mothers are not the only ones who can love and care for their children. Bouma’s illustrations—soft washes of color bound by airy pencil marks—heighten the ingenuous tone of the story."

Publishers Weekly

"Carrick weaves accurate information into the story, creating a tale with a strong message about love and caring. Bouma’s watercolor-and- pencil illustrations, done in a soft palette with interesting color accents, blend well with the text. . . . A very successful effort that children will relate to and enjoy."

School Library Journal