Although the young boy-narrator of this sweet little picture-book insists that each gift and message he gives his friend is NOT a Valentine, it is clear that they indicate great fondness and attachment. They also demonstrate that the boy knows the object of his affections quite well, from her interests to her preferred colors. In the end, despite the absence of glitter and chocolate, can it really be said that these aren't Valentines...?

A warmhearted look at young friendship, one that explores the distinction between substance and show in our demonstrations of love, This Is NOT a Valentine is author Carter Higgins' picture-book debut. The story is sweet, although I did finish it with the feeling that I liked the concept - style vs. substance - more than the actual execution. The artwork, done by Lucy Ruth Cummins, is quite fun, capturing the schoolroom and playground antics of the two main characters quite nicely. Recommended to anyone looking for new picture-books suitable (the title notwithstanding) for Valentine's Day. ( )