Lovey and Dovey

Imprisoned in a “dismal dungeon” for stealing a pair of socks, soulmates Lovey and Dovey have also “stolen each other's hearts,” and in order to bring Lovey what she desires, Dovey sneaks outside (don't ask) and steals the sun, moon and stars—literally. Van Hout's (The Child Cruncher ) clever watercolors feature various landscapes from which Dovey neatly cuts or lassos vital pieces, and he portrays plump Lovey reveling amid the scenery that Dovey has smuggled into their cell. Full-bleed illustrations, comic and unabashedly heartwarming, brim with details that encourage a second reading. As Dovey steals the image of an apple tree, a rabbit paints over the white hole Dovey's theft creates; two prison mice mimic the antics of the main characters throughout. Quirky, playful and altogether inviting. Ages 5–7. (Jan.)