Little Mouse's Big Valentine

by Thacher Hurd

Little Mouse, in an excess of creative enthusiasm, makes a valentine so enormous that no one wants it. Chagrined, he sets out on a journey [to find someone with whom to share his huge red heart]. This beguiling fable is both told and illustrated with disarming simplicity; Hurd's minimal lines are deftly expressive of his hero's subtle feelings, while his rich, watercolor tones make each page a delight. A splendid addition to the Valentine's Day shelf.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Love, Storytime, Holiday

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Thacher grew up in a family of children's book artists, and after attending the California College of Arts and Crafts, he began to turn his talent to picture books. He is the award-winning author of Mama Don't Allow, Art Dog, and most recently Moo Cow Kaboom! He has also written two board books, Cat's Pajamas and Zoom City. Thacher and his wife, Olivia, live in Berkeley, California.

from Author Page

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet story about Little Mouse, who makes a big huge Valentine that nobody seems to want. He travels along hoping to find someone to give it to and literally bumps into Gloria, a girl mouse. There's just enough gooiness to make everyone go "ahhh" by the end.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are pulling this book back out for the holiday on Wednesday. My son became enamored with this tale when he was quite young. We highly recommend it.

[Kaylynn Johnsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little Mouse's valentine was too big, too bright, too silly until he meets just the right friend and together they make valentines for everyone.

[Maddie Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! I think that it is super cute, and I love the message at the end that everyone gets a Valentine! I think that this could be a great book to do as a lesson for your class!

[Cristy Mendez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect book for valentines day. Also can tie into a lesson and valentines making!

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Mouse crafted a very large heart-shaped valentine. When he set out to give it to someone it was so large no one wanted it. After walking a long way he met a little girl mouse. He wanted to give the valentine to her but she said ... But it is awfully big. That's when Little Mouse came up with a great idea.
This is a cute story young readers should enjoy.

[Briana Fulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, and I think adults will especially be able to relate to it. I think the Valentine represents Mouse's heart. He wants somebody to give his heart to. It is so big and full of love. As he journeys and tries to give his heart to someone, some ignore him, some already have a valentine, some criticize his efforts. In the end, he finds the perfect person to give his heart to. Sometimes it just takes that long journey to find that special someone waiting on the other side.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet tale about a little mouse who makes a big valentine. The narrative is short and the illustrations are colorful and cartoonish. This is a good book to read with younger children for Valentine's Day. We enjoyed reading this book together.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Male mouse, makes big valentine to give to someone, female mouse helps him find someone to give it to, no luck, until he smartens up and gives it to the female assisting him, right under his nose. Happy ending all around.

[Rose]

E Hur

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excitement, love, sharing, valentines. It's got it all.

[Hounan Reyes]

but it in the good reads

[Leami]

This book is really by Thacher Hurd, not Edith

[Christopher Skelskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story about a mouse and his desire to find a valentine. it has moments of partnership and innovation. The kids love to hear about how they solve their problem.

[Elanor]

All by herself!

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is really cute - Mouse finds his Valentine and then makes enough for everyone.

[Little Champs]

H 3 (2)

[The Bougie Twins · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars