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_reading_with_kate_'s review
"This is not a valentine, since I don't only like you today. I like you tomorrow and next Tuesday and last week, too. I like you all the days..."
caitlin_lore's review
5.0
If you are in need a a smile this Valentine’s Day, then you must find a copy of THIS IS NOT A VALENTINE, a super poignant picture book by debut author Carter Higgins and children’s book veteran Lucy Ruth Cummins.
This book is not a Valentine, see. There aren’t roses or candy hearts; frilly edges or mushy kisses. Instead, it’s full of secret hiding spots, superhero capes, and two adorable kids learning what it means to really care for someone.
I’ve never been one for the mushiness of the holiday, but give me honest, sweet, real love any day, and I’m a fan.
THIS IS NOT A VALENTINE gives a nod to bashful, honest, handmade first crushes and the power of loving someone. It’s ridiculously sweet, and there’s one line (which I’m not spoiling!) near the end of the story that truly warmed my heart. THIS IS NOT A VALENTINE is one of those stories full of truth that’s applicable to all ages.
I also really loved that this is a diverse picture book!
If you have a little one on the cusp of school crushes and first love, this is a sweet story to put in their hands or even read aloud! Highly recommended for Valentine’s Day and every day after!
This book is not a Valentine, see. There aren’t roses or candy hearts; frilly edges or mushy kisses. Instead, it’s full of secret hiding spots, superhero capes, and two adorable kids learning what it means to really care for someone.
I’ve never been one for the mushiness of the holiday, but give me honest, sweet, real love any day, and I’m a fan.
THIS IS NOT A VALENTINE gives a nod to bashful, honest, handmade first crushes and the power of loving someone. It’s ridiculously sweet, and there’s one line (which I’m not spoiling!) near the end of the story that truly warmed my heart. THIS IS NOT A VALENTINE is one of those stories full of truth that’s applicable to all ages.
I also really loved that this is a diverse picture book!
If you have a little one on the cusp of school crushes and first love, this is a sweet story to put in their hands or even read aloud! Highly recommended for Valentine’s Day and every day after!
mindfullibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
A sweet demonstration of friendship that lasts all year long, not just on February 14th. And also a cute story around the theme of "thou doth protest too much"! This is a perfect story for reading any time, but especially around the Valentine Day holiday to help show that we can show we care in so many different ways, and that a "typical" mushy gushy Valentine isn't the only acceptable format. The poetic text coupled with the simple but charming illustrations make this a great read aloud selection.
A worthy addition for all elementary library collections!
Thanks to Chronicle Books for the review copy of this title.
A worthy addition for all elementary library collections!
Thanks to Chronicle Books for the review copy of this title.
tracybabler's review
4.0
Thanks to Chronicle Books for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
THIS IS NOT A VALENTINE is the perfect valentine for kiddos who aren’t quite ready for valentines yet. It’s not about the card, it’s about the perfect connection between two friends. It’s about all the little moments that add up to one big friendship. It’s about being together instead of being alone.
THIS IS NOT A VALENTINE is all the things our family celebrates on Valentine’s Day. True connection. Time together. Showing you care. No glitter allowed. The perfect sentiment for our Valentine’s Day table.
THIS IS NOT A VALENTINE is the perfect valentine for kiddos who aren’t quite ready for valentines yet. It’s not about the card, it’s about the perfect connection between two friends. It’s about all the little moments that add up to one big friendship. It’s about being together instead of being alone.
THIS IS NOT A VALENTINE is all the things our family celebrates on Valentine’s Day. True connection. Time together. Showing you care. No glitter allowed. The perfect sentiment for our Valentine’s Day table.
readingthroughtheages's review
4.0
A sweet book about kindness and celebrating each other with the little things everyday.
msaplusteacher's review
5.0
I adored this charming picture book by Carter Higgins! I can’t wait to stare this with my students for Valentines Day. From the already blown out wishes to lunch box PB & J students will relate to the ways we show others that we care - but of course they are NOT Valentines. A must own for classroom libraries.
jessalynn_librarian's review against another edition
4.0
January 2018 - I loved all the expressions of friendship, and the pictures reward careful attention. The ending felt a little bittersweet, though.
agudenburr's review
4.0
I loved this book! It was about all the ways a boy shows he loves a girl that is not in the traditional Valentines way. Would make a great elementary or one-on-one story.