Love, Violet

Valentine’s Day brings a shy child named Violet the chance to connect with her crush, Mira, in Sullivan Wild’s uplifting wintry tale. Pale-skinned with a cherry-red undercut, smitten Violet dreams of “astounding Mira with heroic feats/ and bringing her treasures/ and galloping off together on adventures.” But whenever Mira, brown-skinned and curly-haired, tries to play with or talk to her, Violet “went shy.” For Valentine’s, though, Violet resolves to share her feelings, signing her DIY card to Mira, “Love, Violet,” but upon seeing Mira, resplendent in the snow, Violet is overcome with insecurity. Despair sets in, until Violet considers the possibility that Mira might reciprocate her feelings, and a race through the snow—choreographically captured with dancelike grace in Chua’s simple, light-filled watercolors—brings the duo together at last, making the holiday one of joyful acceptance. Ages 4–8. (Dec.)