Panda's Valentine's Day

In Panda's fourth adventure, when Panda and Mama make valentines for each other, Panda's card doesn't turn out the way he wants: "It wasn't pretty like his mama. It wasn't fun like his mama." Boyd tenderly personifies Panda's frustration: dressed in a green striped sweater, he peers at his lopsided cutout heart with dismay and glares at the wastebasket full of valentine scraps. But Mama's assurance relieves Panda's self-doubt and should leave readers with a simple, cozy affirmation. Ages 3–5. (Jan.)