Cupig: The Valentine's Day Pig

Move over, Cupid--a pink piggy competitor takes a shot at creating love matches in this mixed-up Valentine's Day outing. On February 14, Cupig, who "loved love more than butterflies loved the sky above," sets off with a full quiver to spread "love and cheer/ to every creature, far and near." But a blustery thunderstorm sends the arrows wildly off-target, with heartbreaking results. Peanut Butter quickly dumps Jelly, getting goo-goo-eyed for Anchovies instead, and Fork leaves Knife to join a whisk in a different kitchen drawer. Luckily, when the weather clears, so does Cupig's aim, and she reunites Salt and Pepper, Dog and Bone, and other temporarily split couples. Though Tattersfield's rhythmic rhymes don't always scan, asides and comical reshufflings amuse alongside Sayegh's collage-and-digital art, which introduces a kicky cast of anthropomorphized characters, including a porcine protag sporting heart-embroidered underpants. Ages 3-7. (Nov.)

A punctilious pig's job as Cupid goes awry. Cupig, a rotund porcine hero in heart-adorned undies, loves love. She adores it so much that every year on Valentine's Day, she takes her trusty bow and arrow and helps spread desire. This year, however, the weather affects her aim. Gray swirls of gusty wind blow her arrows astray . . . After some reflection, however, Cupig realizes her mistakes and goes off to set things right. [A] silly story of classic pairs reuniting. Tattersfield keeps a jaunty pace, and Sayegh's smiling (and distraught) inanimate objects are a delight. Sure to steal readers' hearts. —Kirkus reviews 

Pun-filled speech bubble commentary accompanies the rhyming verse that flows cheekily from page to page, gently making fun of these pairings and inviting viewers to consider other familiar duos like Peanut Butter and Jelly. This one's sure to be a hit with the picture book crowd come mid-February. -The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books