The Yuckiest, Stinkiest, Best Valentine Ever

by Brenda Ferber, Tedd Arnold (Illustrator)

Overview

A fresh, funny Valentine's Day book for cootie- and candy-lovers alike—illustrated by picture book favorite, Tedd Arnold!


Leon has a crush. A let-her-cut-in-line-at-the-water-fountain kind of crush. And he's got the perfect valentine. But this valentine has no intention of getting caught up in any romantic conspiracy. "Love is yucky, kid! Valentine's Day is all about CANDY!" the card yells at Leon, before leaping out the window and running away, leaving Leon to chase it across town, collecting kids along the way. Saying "I love you" has never been so yucky or so sweet.


"...a boisterous, just-sweet-enough comic caper."—The New York Times  

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780147517098
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	12/22/2015
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	8.30(w) x 10.70(h) x 0.20(d)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Brenda Ferber (www.brendaferber.com) is a mom of three and the author of two novels for children: Julia's Kitchen and Jemma Hartman, Camper Extraordinaire. She lives in Deerfield, Illinois. 

Tedd Arnold (www.teddarnoldbooks.com) has written and/or illustrated about 70 children's books, including two Geisel Honor winning Fly Guy titles, the popular Parts series, and the Edgar Award winning novel Rat Life. He and his wife, Carol, have two grown sons. 

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Accolades for Tedd Arnold

I Spy Fly Guy! - Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book
Rat Life - Edgar Award Winner and Children's Book Sense Pick
Hi! Fly Guy - Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book
Axle Annie - Smithsonian Notable Book of the Year
Parts - Parents Magazine Best Children's Books
No More Water in the Tub! - IRA-CBC Children's Choice
Green Wilma - IRA-CBC Children's Choice and Parents' Choice Spring's Finest Picture Books
No Jumping on the Bed! - IRA-CBC Children's Choice

Editorial Reviews

Praise for The Yuckiest, Stinkiest, Best Valentine Ever

"Get ready to enjoy a laugh-out-loud, fast-paced adventure involving a secret crush, a runaway valentine with an attitude and lots of candy."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"With its creative story line and upbeat writing, this picture book is a must for holiday collections."—School Library Journal

"Navigates the palm-sweating sweetness of first love with tenderness, humorously echoed by Arnold's nervy graphics."—Publishers Weekly

"...a boisterous, just-sweet-enough comic caper."—The New York Times

Accolades for Tedd Arnold

I Spy Fly Guy! - Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book
Rat Life - Edgar Award Winner and Children's Book Sense Pick
Hi! Fly Guy - Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book
Axle Annie - Smithsonian Notable Book of the Year
Parts - Parents Magazine Best Children's Books
No More Water in the Tub! - IRA-CBC Children's Choice
Green Wilma - IRA-CBC Children's Choice and Parents' Choice Spring's Finest Picture Books
No Jumping on the Bed! - IRA-CBC Children's Choice

From the Publisher

…a boisterous, just-sweet-enough comic caper.

The New York Times Book Review - Pamela Paul

Floppy-haired Leon is wrestling with his heart—literally. When he creates a valentine heart for his crush, the wide-eyed card takes off running through Arnold’s comic book–style spreads. “You give me to Zoey Maloney and we’ll be the laughingstock of the whole school!” insists the freaked-out valentine. Kids on the playground offer their perspectives on love, ranging from “Eew!” to concern: “But does Zoey Maloney love you back?” Ferber sticks to traditional gender dynamics (the boys respond to news of Leon’s crush with disgust, while the girls swoon), but she also navigates the palm-sweating sweetness of first love with tenderness, humorously echoed by Arnold’s nervy graphics. Ages 3–up. Agent: Caryn Wiseman, Andrea Brown Literary Agency. (Dec.)

Publishers Weekly

"...a boisterous, just-sweet-enough comic caper."

The New York Times

PreS-Gr 2—Young Leon is hopelessly in love with Zoey Maloney. But the valentine he makes for her comes to life and declares, "Love is yucky. Stinky too. It will turn your brain to goo!" and takes off. As Leon chases it through town, followed by other kids who are eager to see how "this whole mess" turns out, the valentine delivers a compelling argument as to why Leon should not share his love for Zoey. It's not until the valentine meets Zoey's valentine that the cynic abruptly changes his mind and says, "Love is yummy. Love's divine. Won't you be my valentine?" Arnold's full-page, boldly colored, digitally created cartoonlike illustrations are dynamic, bringing the chase to life. With its creative story line and upbeat writing, this picture book is a must for holiday collections.—Mary Cass Mabbot, Indianapolis Public Library

School Library Journal

Get ready to enjoy a laugh-out-loud, fast-paced adventure involving a secret crush, a runaway valentine with an attitude and lots of candy. Leon has a huge crush on Zoey Maloney. He cuts out a big red heart and reveals his feelings. All seems well until the valentine--depicted with wide-eyed disbelief and an oversized mouth--declares, "PUL-EESE! You can't tell [her] you love her! / …It's mushy and gross and just plain YUCKY!" Leon thinks Valentine's Day is all about love; the heart is sure it "is all about candy." So, he leaps out the window to escape having to proclaim Leon's affections. What ensues is a hilarious chase that progressively gathers more and more people--boys, girls and teens--who all weigh in on whether the valentine should go to the girl of Leon's dreams. Ferber gets the character development and dialogue just right. The heart is silly but a tough talker, and in contrast, Leon is earnest and determined. The urgent chase is propelled by quick descriptions that make readers want to turn the pages even faster. Arnold, illustrator of the Fly Guy series, digitally creates varied spreads that look like a super-size version of a Sunday comic strip. Bright with saturated colors, the focal point is always the spunky red heart that conveys an impressive range of funny facial expressions for such a little thing. All too soon, a spectacular crash in the candy store yields romantic results for both the valentine and Leon. Get this now--it's better than candy. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews