Valentine Poems

This collectionlike receiving an unexpected Valentineis absolutely delightful. A companion to Livingston's other holiday poetry collections, the poems range from the traditional ""Roses are Red'' to the whimsical ``courtship swoon by a midnight moon/ Of an Octopus he and she.'' The joy and nonsense of Valentine's Day appear in 20 deftly illustrated and well-chosen poems. Candy hearts are ``spiced with/ Mottoes: SURE/ THING, OH BOY/ Each one like a reckless wink.'' A doting kangaroo proposes, ``Oh, come and be my bouncing bride,/ My valentine, my side-by-side,/ I am in love with you.'' Brewster's festive picturesberibboned mice, a timid rabbit in owl-eyed glasses, hearts and flowers sprinkled like confetti on well-designed pagesare playful and tender. (5-8)