"Milton and Marvin agree that to get valentines, you have to send them [so] they decide to make a zillion valentines, one for everybody in the neighborhood. Everything about this story is right. This is not to be missed." —School Library Journal.
This precious book has a very unique take when it comes to children's stories. The illustrations are more like an old school newspaper comic strip, which adds a wonderful earthiness to the story. And these boys are wonderful examples of human beings...one who has a dream and is not held back by so-called boundaries, and one who is not so sure about life and doesn't want to cause ripples. Together, they are characters in a great Valentine's Day story that is encouraging, loving, and full of hope. Great stuff!
Super sweet story about two little boys who bring joy to the neighborhood (and each other!) by making valentines for everyone. Not sure I liked the page where they were tagging the heart on the fence, but the rest of the story was cute. And this was written in a simpler time, so I'll give it a pass. Wonderful classic tale.
I do not know if I read this book as a child, but it would not surprise me if I did as it perfectly encapsulates my attitude towards valentine's day. The emotional beats in the story are spot on, and I love these two boys-- Marvin running headlong into new endeavors, Milton stating the less optimistic truths.
This is a cute book about two friends that set out to make 1 zillion valentines. I used this book during one of my articulation therapy sessions and the client really enjoyed it. Lots of /s/ initial words. Keeping the characters' names straight is a challenge however hah.
Cute. It was refreshing that this story was a conversation and adventure between two boys and NOTHING to do with romance! Perfect for boys, Valentine's Day, and acts of kindness done without spending money!
Sweet story about two friends who create valentines for the whole town. A nice friendship story for valentines or any other time of year. Some phrases and illustrations are a little dated but still enjoyable.
Cute little book about two boys discussing Valentine's Day and deciding to make tons of cards and giving them to everyone in their neighborhood. Ending wasn't expected,but really sweet! Loved the illustrations.
I had huge success with the filmstrip ages ago in story time. It worked as a book too. 2/8/12
A little bit long for my younger audience 2's and 3's instead of 4's and 5's. 2/13/13
Used again this year. Had a preschool group come for story time and had another come for a class visit. 2/11/14
A bit long for my group this year, the day care didn't make it. 2/10/15
Used again in story time. 2/9/16
Was going to use at an inter-generational story time at a senior living facility, but the rain kept any children and care givers from coming (or my co-worker said some might have been confused and showed up at the library instead) The seniors did not seem to follow the stories as well as the songs.
"One Zillion Valentines" is a great little book for Valentine's Day. Everyone knows the holiday is for giving your secret admirer the best valentine and getting a new boyfriend because Johnny gave you a hug at recess (or at least this is what I assume elementary kids perceive it as.) But what about the others who don't have someone special in their lives or don't have family or loved ones to share it with? Those people are the reason the two boys here in this story make one zillion valentines. It's a great read showing generosity and love for even the people you may not know. Everyone deserves to feel loved, special, and wanted, and that's a great theme displayed by the book.
I'm not sure what made us pick this book up at our local library, especially since we're three months past Valentine's Day.
In any case, it was a fun story, with two likeable characters and a simple plot line. The illustrations are simple, but entertaining. We enjoyed reading this story together.
January 2019 update: I discovered this book in a very nice Valentine's Day display at one of our local libraries. I was pretty sure I'd read it before, but I really was drawn in by the old fashioned style of the book. Worth a quick reread.
This was one of a few books we checked out from the library to celebrate my son's first Valentine's Day. I can see an older child enjoying this picture book since it has two friends concocting a scheme (but a kind one). There is a bit of a mixed message because initially the point seems to be that you can make Valentines for free and don't need money to celebrate, but then the friends ultimately end up selling the leftover Valentines they made for money. So I'm not entirely sure what the moral/lesson is supposed to be, but it was a decent introduction to the concept of Valentines.
This story is very simple but with a good plot. It shows that it is nice and kind to think of others. For example, even though Milton does not receive Valentines, Marvin convinces him that he should make Valentines for the other people in the neighborhood. I think the moral in this story really affects children.
Two boys bemoan the fact that they never get Valentines on Feb. 14. They decide to make a whole bunch and give them out because they realize they need to give in order to receive. But that's not the whole story; their project has an impact on their whole town.
the illustrations are comic book like and retro. thumbs up. but the book was written in 1982 and let's just say . . . that was a really long time ago. marvin and milton need an update.