Mr. Goat's Valentine

For readers who think Valentine's Day is too sappy, Bunting and Zimmer have an ideal antidote. That's because Mr. Goat's idea of the perfect gifts for his "first love" include ragweed salad in a rusty can and two-year-old rotten eggs. "Guaranteed foul and disgusting," says the proud vendor. Zimmer playfully emphasizes the story's gross-out moments in his exaggerated, vibrantly colored illustrations, and Bunting keeps the target of Mr. Goat's affections secret until the final page. Suffice it to say that mothers will be happier to receive this book than, say, a box of "black and oozing" rotten eggs. Ages 5-7. Illustrator's agent: Lori Nowicki, Painted Words. (Jan.)

PreS-Gr 1--It's Valentine's Day, and Goat sets off to find the perfect gift for his first love. Nothing says "I love you" to a goat more than a tin can filled with ragweed salad, two-year-old rotten eggs, and the aroma of skunk-scented perfume. When Goat realizes that he does not have a card, he struggles to come up with one more thing to make the gift complete. He's deep in thought under a shady tree when the answer miraculously comes to him. It's a surprise that young listeners will enjoy. Bunting has written a sweet story for Valentine's Day--or any other day of the year. This is a fun read-aloud for older preschool-age children. While the tale is not complex, it is endearing and amusing. Children will delight in the variety of gifts Goat selects all through the story. They will also enjoy predicting the secret identity of Goat's first love. Zimmer's large, vibrant cartoonlike illustrations complement the story and its characters. Readers will be drawn to their eyes, which are sizable and full of expression. VERDICT A great holiday addition.--Barbara Spiri, Southborough Library, MA