Be My Valenslime

Tarantino’s chipper picture book about a crew of monsters wraps Valentine’s Day traditions in the message of 1 Corinthians 13. Confronted by the idea that “monsters DON’T DO Valentine’s Day!” green-hued Snoodle, who loves “candy hearts/ and fun parties/ and fuzzy kittens...// and valentines!” sees a challenge. Her mission to prove that her favorite holiday is “the BEST” begins with coaching the others on how to decorate a valentine box. But when the monsters send the glue and paint flying, Snoodle stays calm, because “after all, love is patient.” When another monster lends his claws as a substitute for scissors, Snoodle is grateful, “because love is always kind—and never rude.” As the messages continue, Doerrfeld’s gleefully frenetic depictions of party monsters and a slimy valentine creation get right to the heart of the matter, offering readers memorable images of love in action. Ages 3–7. (Dec.)