Stories capture young hearts

By Zoe Ann Shaffer
Associated Press

Felicia Bond, who illustrated the popular "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie," has a knack for creating endearing characters and telling a story with little fuss.

One day it rained hearts of various shapes and sizes. Cornelia caught the hearts and, after studying their unique qualities, sewed and glued them onto valentines for each of her animal friends.

"In the center of the heart she glued a cotton ball, one that was very white and very soft. And she knew instantly who this card would be for."

Its art, layout and lettering make "The Day it Rained Hearts" a valentine for the reader. And don't overlook the removable heart stickers on the last page.

The book was first published in 1983 as "Four Hearts in a Rainstorm."

This is a vivid book in which children of various races show the feelings that colors can arouse. Blue is "cool" and "rugged," like a denim jacket and hat. Pink is "chewy" and "gooey," like bubble gum. And orange is "fruity' and "tangy," like — well, like an orange!

The Pinkneys won an NAACP image award for their 2000 book "Shades of Black."

Horse, bear, camel, goose, sheep, mouse, goat and whale mothers answer their little ones' age-old question, "How much do you love me?" Mother bear tells her cub, "I love you as much as the forest has trees."

Warm, realistic illustrations fill the large pages.

Human mother tucks her baby into bed with the ultimate reassurance: "I love you as much as a mother can love."

Little wolf literally stands on his head to test his mother's patience. But nothing can shake her unconditional love.

"I love you when you're sad "and need a kiss and hug.

"I love you when you're playful "and rolling on the rug."

Rhyming text that covers many emotions — from silly to sad, curious to bad — is complemented by David McPhail's colorful drawings.

Playful, innocent, bright and charming, "Baby Hearts and Baby Flowers" (Greenwillow, $15.95, baby-preschool) by Remy Charlip is a bedtime book that parents will enjoy, too.

Simple rhyming words, sweet thoughts and uncluttered, lyrical illustrations of clouds, showers, animals and everyday things ease the transition from baby's busy day to beddy-bye.

"Baby table, baby chair.

"Babies ... babies ... everywhere."

In "Just Like You" (Candlewick, $15.99, ages 4-8), baby mouse observes what other parents do for their babies.

Father fox keeps his pups safe by being "quick and cunning." Mama bird tucks her babies into their nest and flies far and wide for food. Mama rabbit digs the warmest and safest burrow for her little one.

Baby mouse wonders whether his mother would think he was that special. She does.

Jan Fearnley, a keen observer, conveys the subtle messages of love between parent and child in her charming watercolor drawings and heartwarming story.

In "Hug Me" (HarperCollins, $14.95, all ages), Elliot Kravitz, the lovable but naturally prickly porcupine, is tired of hugging parking meters and telephone poles. He just wants to be hugged and loved. So he comes up with an idea that he feels is sure to generate a hug.

"Hug Me," first published in 1977, is reissued in this volume with new comical, colorful illustrations by author Patti Stren.