Little Bear's Valentine

This book bears Maurice Sendak's name, but in truth it was illustrated by Heather Green, and written by Else Holmelund Minarik. The book is based off the show Little Bear, and although the illustrations are different, the writing feels the same as the show. Little Bear finds a valentine in the mailbox from a secret admirer, and wonders all day who, and where it came from. After delivering all his valentines he still doesn't have a clue who gave him the special valentine. When he arrives home, he discovers that his mother throws him a surprise dinner with all his friends, and announces that she was his secret admirer. The illustration are soft and muted with lots of neutrals: beiges, browns, light greens, and blue. It feels and looks like winter, and in the end it make you all cozy inside. I love reading this book to my son, and he loved the surprise at the end. Mostly appropriate for children 3 to 7 years.