Adeline

Looking for a special treat for your little valentine? Adeline may be just the thing! Written by Bobby Strickland and illustrated by Kathryn Rathke, this delightful book tells the story of a little girl, Adeline, who loves Valentine's Day. Through beautiful poetry we learn how she takes extra care to look her best and wait for the valentines she will receive. One by one animals of all kinds come from every direction to deliver the same message: "You are the one I will always adore. But there is another who loves you much more." Adeline is thrilled and puzzled.

At the end of the day, her house is overfowing with lovely little notes, but she still doesn't know who loves her the most. She prays asking God to reveal her secret admirer. He whispers back that the one who loves her greatest is He. Her heart filled with His love, she decides to share it with all she meets. She scatters her valentine notes all over town and builds a mountain of hearts atop which she places a sign: "God Loves You Too!" As she drifts off to sleep she thinks to herself, "God makes every day Valentine's Day!"

The monochromatic illustrations are a throw back to early children's literature. With shades of black and white accented only with the occassional pink or red, you won't find a lot of colors, but the drawings are wonderful.

What I Like: The message is fantastic! What little girl wouldn't want to be showered with valentines and then reminded that God loves her even more than all of these. It's a delightful story with cute, feminine illustrations. The poetry is creative. Everything about this book makes me smile.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent!

Age Appeal: 4-8, but people of all ages will love this book.

Publisher Info: Baker Books, 2004: ISBN: 0801045088; Hardback; $16.99

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