Let's Throw a Valentine's Day Party!

December 15, 2011
Grades 2-4 This compact book in the Holiday Parties series holds quite a bit of information about planning and putting together a Valentine's Day party. After offering a bit of holiday history, Lynette advises readers to start planning early with a guest list and provides ideas for decorations, food, and games. Suggestions for the latter make up the major part of this title. Some of the ideas are rather simple even for the age group (paper chains), but the treats look appetizing (heart-shaped brownies) and the games seem fun (a paper-heart hunt). The activities offer more a list of suggestions than detailed instructions, but there's enough here for kids to work off of. Bright photos are set in a design highlighted by Valentine pinks and reds. The cute girl pictured on the cover looks young (maybe five or six) and could put off some older readers. But those looking to host a party will find this useful. Back matter is simple, with a glossary and directions to the PowerKids website.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)