The Day It Rained Hearts

My mother bought this for Valentine's Day this year for my, then 2.5 year old, boy-girl twins and my kids love this book. It is May and we still read this book at least once a week. The fact that little Cornelia looks at each heart and creates a special valentine card that matches the heart and the recipent shows thoughtfulness. I also liked that even though it never rained hearts again Cornelia wasn't disappointed or sad, but knew what to each Valentine's Day after that. Our book also came with a page of stickers based on the illustrations in the book.

It is extremely hard to find Valentine's Day stories that do not center on elementary school classmates or adult "sweethearts". In this sweetly simple book Cornelia Augusta, a human child, uses her imagination and craft supplies to create unique Valentines for each of her four animal friends. The illustrations are attractive and the story will appeal to the youngest of listeners. Though you probably won't find hearts falling from the sky, have some colored paper and glue available when you read this to children, as this book may well encourage them to try their hand at creating Valentines of their own.

My six year old took the board book version of this book out of my hands. I meant to read it to my two year old son. Instead,my first grader was enthralled with the illustrations, the story and the name of the loveable protagonist "Cornelia Augusta". I especially enjoyed how ALL the rainbow hearts Cornelia Augusta catches are ALL different so she can craft personalized, different Valentine's for each recipient of one of her precious gifts.The story is also a very opening one: there are always ways to create... no matter what the medium, what the celebration, whether the people are together or apart.Also, I think the 3-5 year recommendation is a bit young. My 6 year old really enjoyed it as well, the language was perfect for a first grader.

This was another book that I picked up on a whim, and ended up being pleasantly surprised by. The illustrations are great and the story line is touching. And Cornelia Augusta is a very likable and thoughtful little girl, who knows just the right sort of valentine to make for each of her very different friends. A perfect book for Valentines Day!