The Ballad of Valentine — Alison Jackson

Love really is blind in this hilarious and pitch-perfect Valentine's Day picture book, set to the familiar rhythms of "Clementine," one of our most beloved American folk songs. Alison Jackson, author of the Thanksgiving favorite I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie, cleverly replaces the heroine of "Clementine" with a dreamy girl named Valentine who keeps missing what's right in front of her nose: the love letters being sent her way by a smitten admirer. Whether carried by pigeon, pony, or freight train, his messages continue to go unnoticed or undelivered. But just when the lovelorn writer loses all hope, something unexpected happens that proves his crush isn't so one-sided after all. Brought to life by the larky illustrations of Tricia Tusa, this silly and sweet tale is perfect for little valentines as well as grown-up sweethearts.