A VILLAGE FULL OF VALENTINES

Various whimsically drawn woodland animals appear in the first six chapters, making, sending, or receiving valentines. They show up again in the seventh chapter at the big Valentine shindig, and Stevenson, of course, never makes these critters cutesy—they very personably emerge from the quick lines and dabs of color that have become his hallmark. The animals' bantering and bickering is all very believable, but some of the punchlines may sail right over the heads of readers; the final chapter will best satisfy those who can remember all the hastily sketched characterizations of the earlier pages. The holiday hook may sell this book, but there's a rib- tickling ending that makes it a keeper. (Picture book. 5+)