A String of Hearts

Brown bear Sam wants to make a special valentine for a "pretty in purple" cat, Tiffany. His neighbor Mary Ann, a bushy-tailed squirrel, offers to help (though her face falls when he tells her who the card is for), and they construct funny valentines for all of their classmates, along with a purple one for Sam's crush. But when Sam gives it to Tiffany, she doesn't even notice. Munsinger and Elliott sensitively convey classroom popularity dynamics and Valentine's Day butterflies; the moment when Sam realizes that it's Mary Ann he really likes should touch even Valentine's Day grouches. Ages 4–7. (Dec.)