Celebrate Valentine's Day with several picture books

Think candy and pink cupcakes! Think homemade cards! It’s Valentine’s Day!

“SNOWY VALENTINE,” by David Petersen, Harper, $14.99, 32 pages (ages 3-8)

Jasper, a frustrated rabbit, tries to come up with the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for his wife. His dilemma is heightened by interviewing his friends whose solutions to their own gift-giving are varied: Teagan Fox is preparing a rabbit stew (Jasper is alarmed at that) and Miriam Frog’s delicious chocolate-covered flies will certainly be a welcome gift for a loved one.

With soft delicate artwork and simple text, David Peterson’s conclusion is a pleasing one; Jasper’s gift to his wife is the greatest, “his love for her.”

“A GIANT CRUSH,” by Gennifer Choldenko, illustrated by Melissa Sweet, Putnam, $16.99, 32 pages (ages 5-8)

Jackson, a shy and loveable bunny is suddenly “aware” of his classmate, Cami, and wants his feelings known. But poor Jackson is outdone by a show-off whose loud mouth and antics draw attention from everyone. Jackson’s friend (who is narrator of this affair) encourages him, “If you’re going to like a girl, Jackson, you have to at least tell her.”

He does. Readers will cheer Jackson on as he puts aside his shyness and it pays off.

“HEDGEHUG: A Sharp Lesson in Love,” by Benn Sutton, illustrated by Dan Pinto, HarperCollins, $9.99, 40 pages (up to age 7)

Hedgehug’s plans for Valentine’s Day are to make homemade cards and then give everyone a hug. In the case of Hedgehug’s gift, however, loves hurts and the animals protest. No one wants to be pierced from a hug.

Hedgehug finds a way to give love hugs without the quills. The cartoon-like drawings will have young readers giggling through his plight.

Email: marilousorensen@ymail.com