A Valentine from Tomie, 1967

Tomie de Paola's work seems to sneak up on me, and Things to Make and Do for Valentine's Day was no exception.


The 48-page (Scholastic, for Franklin Watts) paperback speaks directly to the pre-K to early-elementary set. de Paola leads with a two-page comic explaining how we celebrate Valentine's Day, then proceeds to pack the book with simple projects and easy-to-follow directions for making cards, desserts, and gifts, a couple of games to play, and even a card trick to perform at a Valentine's Day party. It's simply perfect - which is no surprise.

I know Tomie's work well enough to expect it to be sweet, concise, and full of fun. So what surprised me? The slim how-to-have-fun-on-Valentine's Day manual remains perfectly relevant in spite of the fact it was published in 1967.

It's also available at the ridiculous bargain price of about a buck at Half.com, which means you can pick it up and deliver a lovely surprise to your favorite little Valentine, mom, or preschool teacher. They'll love ya for it!


Learn more about the author: www.tomie.com