Valentine's

Ruby Valentine and the Sweet Surprise teaches a valuable lesson about the capacity for love, particularly the ability to love multiple people (and pets) and to love them equally.

The illustrations are great (although very, very pink), but the rhyming style of the text feels a bit forced. I would have preferred the story if it had been prose instead.

While this book can stand on its own, I think one's enjoyment of it suffers a bit if you have not read the other Ruby Valentine books. The story begins a somewhat abruptly, and I was left with some questions that may have already been answered in the other books (like why does her bird wear a sweater?).

Note: I received a digital galley of this book through NetGalley. ( )

Ruby Valentine returns from a trip to the city with a new pet cat, and her bird Lovebird is so jealous! As Valentine's Day approaches and the feline Sweetie Pie one-ups every one of Lovebird's efforts to make it a memorable day for Ruby, things go a bit awry. As is to be expected, all turns out well in the end. The anthropomorphic characters are likable and inviting, and the illustrations are rich with movement. Review copy received via NetGalley.com. (128) ( )