When you have two books that are 14 and 18 pages long, you really cannot write a 250-word review for each one, even with a creative writing background and know how to be flowery! Therefore, a combination review:
I am not a Valentine’s gal. I like Chinese New Years instead. I do not go “all out,” but like some traditions. In DK Publishing’s Baby’s First Chinese New Year we have an easy introduction. Normally I would not count this a book, as there is not a “real” story, but a string of sentences telling you how the narrator celebrates the Chinese New Year. However, the age it is aimed at (due to the board book genre and size) might not be interested in the subject. Instead, this would work in preschool celebrating cultures. Or, for a family already celebrating the holiday. It is also a great way to show diverse people without being “in your face” about said diversity. The best part is everything talked about is in photographs. This realism is a nice contrast to the usual art of books on this subject.
If you are a Valentines kind of person Who Loves Boo? by Salina Yoon is going to be a fun book. What can I say about Boo? Boo is a kitten looking for their heart. As you turn the board book-styled pages you as: is this the heart? No. Is this the heart? No. You will find different things that it could be (teacup, lollipop, etc.) At the end Yes! That is Boo’s heart. It is red and pink and fuzzy. Our hide-and-seek book has turned into a touch book! (However, there is some fuzziness along the way, too). Fun illustrations, a short story and some fun with guessing makes this an active book. And while it is a Valentines themed book, it can also be an anytime read. A follow up to Where’s Santa Boo? and Where’s Boo?
