The UnValentine

The UnValentine	Shadow Mountain
Written by Sam Beeson, Illustrated by Jesse Draper	2007
Picture Book	32 pages
Reading Level

Summary

Lily does not believe in love. She dislikes Valentines and all that has to do with it. She sits as recess and rants her fuming thoughts into her journal. She wrote her frustrations and vehemence in verse. She did not believe in the mushy, gushy feelings of love. Until, she finds a crumpled paper on her desk. It was written in verse describing a dislike for cupids, asking if she liked black roses and signed by Ray. She fell in love as he looked at her and she stared back. Her loathing for Valentine ’s Day was gone. Ray and Lily are seen walking together holding hands, united in their view of the world.

Reaction

I liked the paintings in this book. I liked how they are framed and were more like portraits than an illustration of the entire scene. The focus was on the emotion and expressions on their faces. I thought that the story line was great and enjoyed that it was written in verse. I liked the ending and the alluding to the fact that there is someone out there for everyone to love.

Potential Problems

This might be read and seen as permission to have a bad attitude about love and viewed sentimental feelings. Even though it has a happy ending, there were some pretty strong negative emotions described at the beginning of the book.

Recommendations

I would recommend this around Valentines to those who don’t see the point of candy hearts and cheesy sayings that show your affection or appreciation.