LOVE, RUBY VALENTINE

With a name like Ruby Valentine, how could a girl not love Valentine’s Day? To prepare, Ruby and her pet bird embark on a mission. They make glittery cards and heart-shaped cookies. They create goody bags, curl ribbons, wrap gifts and load up the wagon. Ruby decides on an outfit, fixes her hair and falls asleep, exhausted. Unfortunately, she snoozes for 24 hours straight, and when she awakes, she is bereft—it’s a day too late to tell everyone that she loves them. Her bird convinces her that the townspeople won’t mind that she’s behind schedule, so Ruby valiantly sets out, full of apologies, to distribute her cards and gifts. When she realizes that no one is upset in the least, Ruby vows to express her love throughout the year and make good on her promise. Engaging watercolors depict Ruby on her quest, and though the sugary rhymed text is at times a bit cloying, Ruby herself is a charming heroine. A Valentine’s offering as sweet as candy. (Picture book. 3-7)