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Time for a Bath is a great way for kids to get excited about taking a bath!

By Nicki Richesin, The Children’s Book Review
Published: February 6, 2012

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and you know what that means: time to read some love stories! Below are just a few selections with which you’re sure to fall in love. So snuggle up with your favorite little reader and share a good laugh, a cuddle, and a whole lotta love.

Mr. Prickles

By Kara LaReau; illustrated by Scott Magoon

Even though Mr. Prickles may be prickly on the outside, he’s warm and fuzzy on the inside and looking for someone to see past his rough exterior. Thank goodness for Miss Pointypants who knows a thing or two about being judged on her sharp appearance. The deeper message LaReau humorously imparts is how to control one’s anger when ostracized by friends. Little kids who have been banished from the sandbox will love Mr. Prickles. (Ages 2-6. Publisher: Roaring Brook Press)

A Giant Crush

By Gennifer Choldenko; illustrated by Melissa Sweet

Ah, young love. This book is absolutely perfect for second and third graders confused by their beloved’s sudden mood swings. When a little bunny falls in love with another funny bunny, what’s a bunny to do? Leave it to a good friend to help him unravel the mysteries and agonies of a first crush. First rule of thumb: you have to speak to the one you love. (Ages 5-8. Publisher: Penguin Group (USA))

Love, Splat

By Rob Scotton

This tale about two star-crossed cats is seriously funny. Scotton’s silly illustrations of Splat the Cat reminded me just a bit of Garfield, but his story is pure fun. Splat goes to great lengths to impress his lady love, Kitten, but when Spike intervenes, it seems all is lost. Leave it to Kitten, with her feline prowess, to choose the best suitor to win her affections. (Ages 4-7. Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers)

Hedgehug

By Benn Sutton; illustrated by Dan Pinto

Two books about pointy critters in one review? Yes, indeed. In this “sharp lesson in love,” Hedgehug discovers love hurts after his many failed attempts to share a hug. In Sutton’s playf

Yesterday started out as another sunny day, so yours truly did not think to check the weather forecast in the morning - which proved to be a very bad idea indeed. Midway through the day it stared pouring sheets and sheets - and I didn't even have a jacket with a hood! Luckily for me it let up just in time for the end of the workday, so I didn't get drenched on my commute home, but I've made a mental note to always keep a small umbrella on hand just in case - and to check the weather report every day!

Little Junjun doesn't want to do any work. He's a dreamer and would rather spend the day sitting outside watching the lizards in the yard, feeling the warm sun on his face, and savoring tasty tamarind jam. He wishes his chores would just do themselves! So he sits and makes wishes while saying rata-pata-scata-fata, and his chores somehow do complete themselves! But when everyone is tired at the end of the day and wants rain so that they don't have to fetch water, will rata-pata-scata-fata work?

Rata-pata-scata-fata is a fun book for kids to read. Silly phrases and pleasing repetition make this book by Phillis Gershator ideal for reading aloud to young children. Holly Meade's illustrations are colorful and bright, drawing readers in and adding a magic feel to this fun story while bringing the spirit of the Caribbean to life!

Grab your copy of Rata-pata-scata-fata today!

Available in hardcover & paperback editions.