Mouse's First Valentine

by Lauren Thompson, Buket Erdogan (Illustrator)

Overview

Early one morning,
Mouse follows
his sister
around the house.
She's making
something
special.
It's red and lacy
and very pretty.
Snip! Snip! Snip!
What will it be?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780689847240
Publisher:	Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Publication date:	01/01/1902
Edition description:	1ST
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.88(w) x 8.80(h) x 0.34(d)
Age Range:	2 - 6 Years

About the Author

Lauren Thompson is the author of several picture books, including the popular Mouse’s First series, Little Quack series, and the Wee Little series. She is also the author of the critically acclaimed The Apple Pie That Papa Baked as well as Leap Back Home to Me; Chew, Chew, Gulp!; and Hop, Hop, Jump! She lives with her husband and son in Brooklyn, New York.

Buket Erdogan has always been inspired by vibrant colors and children’s art. She has illustrated the New York Times bestselling Mouse’s First series and the Calico series. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Editorial Reviews

School Library Journal The author and illustrator make a superb team...

From the Publisher

The star of Mouse's First Christmas and Mouse's First Halloween gets a heart-shaped card from big sister Minka in Mouse's First Valentine by Lauren Thompson, illus. by Buket Erdogan. As Minka collects the materials to make it paste, ribbon and lace Little Mouse sneaks behind her, each time asking "What could it be?" Minka answers each question on the following page. " `Red paper!' said Minka./ Just what I need.' " Erdogan's velvety palette in rosy tones warms the pages. ( Jan.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

Big sister Minka crept into the house. Little Mouse was intrigued and followed along; what is she up to? Minka picks up a variety of items. First she obtains a piece of red paper, some white lace, and then a red ribbon. She also found some gooey stuff. What could it all be for? Little Mouse finally learns the answer when Minka calls and gives Little Mouse his first Valentine. The characters are charming and Erdogan has managed to give his plump little creatures real personalities. Young kids will enjoy the suspense and happy solution to the mystery of Minka's expedition and preparations. Some may want to create valentines of their own. A delightful story now available in board book format. 2004 (orig.2002), Little Simon/ Simon & Schuster, Ages 2 to 4.
— Marilyn Courtot

Children's Literature

PreS-Gr 1-When little Mouse's big sister sneaks into the house, Mouse follows behind, trying to guess what she is looking for. Eventually, Minka creates a beautiful card for her younger sibling and states, "This valentine is just for YOU on Valentine's Day-because-" and finishes with "I love you" written on her creation. Erdogan's muted, chalky illustrations are delightful. Young children will enjoy guessing along with little Mouse as Minka finds "something white and holey." "What could it be? wondered Mouse." There are not very many picture books about Valentine's Day for this age group, and most of them seem to be set in classrooms. A sweet, refreshing selection for holiday collections and storyhours.-Bina Williams, Bridgeport Public Library, CT Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

School Library Journal

Thompson and Erdogan (Mouse's First Halloween, 2000, etc.) pair up yet again for a delightful dose of holiday cheer. This time, little Mouse trails big sister Minka as she sneaks about the house collecting ingredients for a special surprise. Throughout, visual and textual clues combine, allowing children the pleasure of predicting what's to come. "First, Minka creeped high and low / and all around / till she found something / smooth and rosy," reads an opening spread. The words "What could it be?" curl beneath Mouse's loopy tail as she struggles to climb atop the dresser that holds a stubby blue pencil and a sheet of paper. Readers turn the page to see little Mouse hiding behind a now-upright pencil and Minka broadly grinning as she grips the paper in her paws. " ‘Red paper!' said Minka. / ‘Just what I need.' " The quest continues as Minka collects lace, ribbon, and paste. Then she then puts the pieces together. In the end, Erdogan shows little Mouse peeking through a tangle of red ribbon as Minka adds the finishing touches. The last page shows the entire family together. Minka and little Mouse appear in the foreground holding the Valentine with the words "I love you" written in the center. Erdogan's palette of warm oranges, rich reds, deep violets, and blues conveys the comfort of home. His round-bodied mice are loaded with charm. Perfect for reading and sharing, it's another sweet treat from a talented team. (Picture book. 2-5)

Kirkus Reviews