My Creepy Valentine – written and illustrated by Arthur Howard, Beach Lane Books, 9781481458405, 2020
Format: Hardcover
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
Genre: Picture book
What did you like about the book? Mitzi the witch and her kitten Hoodwink are skeptical of Valentine’s Day even though they love everyone. The ‘lovey-dovey’ nature of the day is just too much for them. That is until Mitzi meets Spencer. He’s quirky and fun. A boy who squirts milk out his nose and can wiggle his ears while upside down. Mitzi takes a risk and writes him a valentine card. It seems she will be rebuffed and she takes refuge with Hoodwink, realizing that he feels soft and cuddly just like a valentine should. A surprise ending shows the reward of taking a risk and letting others know how we feel. The mixed-media illustrations are as charming as the story. Brightly colored with interesting details, they are sure to please even the youngest of readers.
Anything you didn’t like about it? No
To whom would you recommend this book? Readers who enjoyed Hoodwinked will find the continued story of Mitzi and her cat delightful.
Who should buy this book? Elementary and public libraries
Where would you shelve it? Picture books
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes!
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Linda Broderick, Lincoln Street Elementary School, Northboro, MA
Date of review: 1/25/21
Youth Services Book Review 
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