Amelia Bedelia’s First Valentine

By Herman Parish
Greenwillow Books, $16.99, 32 pages

Amelia Bedelia is a quirky lovable kid. This timeless character always takes things in their literal meaning because she is obviously not very familiar with certain idiomatic expressions, so the ultimate outcome results in sidesplitting situations. In Amelia Bedelia’s First Valentine young readers will delight in Amelia’s very unusual way of expressing her affection towards her classmates with the cards she prepares for them. She puts a bandage across a broken heart, tossed peanuts into an envelope and pours honey over a note.

I highly recommend this book for all the wonderful idiosyncrasies displayed by the main character. Lynne Avril’s illustrations are drawn in a whimsical manner awash in pink and red colors combined with Cupid, hearts and arrows that makes it a great seasonal read. From a comforting teacher to a sweet young male neighbor, to going home to a family encircled with love, author Herman Parish’ target audience witness and realize the true essence of Valentine’s Day.

Reviewed by Kaye Cloutman