Parents' Guide to

Queen of Hearts

By Patricia Tauzer, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Sweet as icing, a Valentine's lesson sure to warm the heart.

Book Mary Engelbreit Holiday 2008
Queen of Hearts Poster Image

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What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

Ann Estelle loves Valentine's Day and gets so involved in creating the fanciest Valentine box ever that she forgets to make the most important thing: her Valentine's Day cards. Will that ruin the celebration? Not likely. The QUEEN OF HEARTS always has something up her sleeve.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

With brightly colored artwork that is recognizably Mary Englebreit, this book looks as inviting as a Valentine Day cookie, the kind that is covered with icing, red hots, and plenty of sprinkles. Hearts of all shapes and sizes fill the pages, each one uniquely ribboned and laced, and Ann Estelle's Valentine box is definitely posh.

Kids, especially those who like cutting, pasting, and making things fancy, will enjoy this book. Though a bit simple, the story is sweet, and the lesson a good one. Ann Estelle learns that getting caught up in the excitement of party preparations is fun, but sharing is what makes the day special.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about, and try making, the kinds of decoration Ann Estelle makes. Have you ever tried making your own Valentine cards? If you were going to decorate a Valentine box, what kinds of things would you put on it? How do you think Ann Estelle forgot to make her Valentine cards? What did she do? What would you do if you suddenly realized you had forgotten your cards? What do you think about her solution? She thought it turned out to be the best Valentine's Day ever. What do you think?

Book Details

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