Queen of Hearts

Ann Estelle Stories

by Mary Engelbreit

Making the best valentine box ever for her favorite holiday is Ann Estelle's newest school project. It will have glitter, lace, feathers, and even wheels! There's just one thing that Ann Estelle has forgotten -- what could that be? Valentine's Day will be your favorite holiday, too, when you enjoy this delightful tale with Ann Estelle and her friends as lovingly imagined by best-selling artist Mary Engelbreit.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Holiday, Love, Art

32 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2004

About the author

Mary Engelbreit grew up studying the illustrations in the vintage storybooks of her mother’s childhood, and she developed a unique style that harkens back to those simpler times. Mary’s distinctive images have made her a celebrity to millions, who eagerly snap up gift items, calendars, books, fabrics, and more.

Mary’s New York Times bestselling The Night Before Christmas is part of the holiday tradition for families across the country. Other beloved additions to a child’s first bookshelf are her New York Times bestselling Mary Engelbreit's Mother Goose and Mary Engelbreit's Nursery Tales, which are perfect companions to this volume.

Reviews

[Mariah Roze · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute, simple, creative story about Valentine's Day.

[La Coccinelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Queen of Hearts is a cute story about a little girl who gets so wrapped up in being crafty and making the best Valentine's Day box for herself that she forgets to make valentines for her classmates. It's a scenario that I can easily see happening... but it's handled quite well in this story. Ann Estelle doesn't have some huge revelation, but she does figure out a way to solve her problem and make her classmates really happy, which in turn makes her really happy. It's a nice message about friendship and generosity.

As with all of Mary Engelbreit's books, the illustrations are adorable. While they might look a little dated to some readers, they at least have a decent amount of diversity, and even show little girls playing with stereotypically "male" toys.

Fans of Mary Engelbreit will probably love this book, but I think it holds some value for other readers as well, especially with the way the story was handled.

[writer... · Rating 5 out of 5]

Artistry is lovely in conveying the characters , setting and story.

[Andi M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much more fun than the last Engelbreit picture book I read. This is a Valentine's Day treat, and the illustrations are simply delicious. I wanted to eat 'em!

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ann Estelle spends so much time decorating her box to collect Valentines that she forgets to make Valentines for others but finds a good alternative. A lovely story for Valentine's Day with Mary Engelbreit's signature illustrations.

[BiblioBeruthiel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice message, but it's a little long for what it is.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Popular with First grade girls. Not so much with the boys. It contains Mary Engelbreit's always beautiful illustrations. Great to have in the classroom in February.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like Engelbreit’s style both as an author and most definitely as an illustrator. This story has good message too.

[♥♣Mary♦♠ If She So Pleases · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute one time read.

[DiAnne Warfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holt-Delhi PJ story time 2-9-2022

[Aneesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my favorite artist when I was a kid.

[Michele]

As always, LOVE Mary's illustrations :0)

[Valentine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eleyna 3
Emma 3.5
Gideon 2

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ann Estelle is excited about Valentine's Day. Each child in her class prepares a box for their valentines, and Ann Estelle spends the whole week making hers the most beautifully decorated one of all of them. When everyone begins passing out valentines, Ann Estelle realizes she forgot the most important thing. Sweet story and illustrations.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valentine's Day is the favorite day of the year for Ann Estelle. She wanted her box to be perfect. So each day she thinks of something else to make her box different and extra ordinary and finally the day of the school party it's finished and everyone is proud of her box. BUT she put so much into her box she forgot to make valentine's for her friends! But she does have something for them. She begins to take things off her box that each friend made a comment that they liked and she gave to them. In the end her box was a dull plain box full of valentines from her friends but that was okay because she was happy. A nice Valentine's Day book

[Stephanie Skolmoski · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite illustrators is Mary Engelbreit. I love the style, the colors and darling people she creates. Queen of Hearts is a cute story by Engelbreit, full of her beautiful illustrations.

With Valentine's Day approaching, this book is perfect to read to children early in February. Ideas for Valentine boxes are amazing. But what happens if you spend all your time and energy on the box? Is it possible that you could forget something VERY important. Anne Estelle does just that but figures out a great way to solve the huge problem.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

We read this for the first time today and thought it was a cute, brightly illustrated story. Even though I have 2 little boys, we were drawn to the bright artwork and gave it a try. Easy to read aloud, with pretty pages and a sweet lesson to learn made this a hit with all of us. There was a paper doll included, but the boys were just interested enough to see how it works and then ask... "now what?". Not a fault with the paper doll, just disinterested boys.
We will definitely try more books by Mary Engelbreit... especially the Ann Estelle Stories.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun book to read during Valentine's Day. Ann Estelle is so busy making and decorating her Valentine's Day box that she forgets something... Our youngest figured it out right away (either that or she'd already read the book!) And the ending is somewhat predictable, but overall, we really enjoyed this story. The illustrations are colorful and complement the story nicely.

[Stephanie Hirsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about Valentines Day. All about crafting, and then sharing. Good book for younger children. I'd recommend for children in Preschool, Kindergarten or 1st grade. Older kids would probably get bored with it, younger than preschool probably won't understand it too well. Overall, I thought it was cute.

[Dahl Kids · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute way to introduce the public school Valentine traditions to my girls.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ann Estelle was so focused on making a creative box for her valentines that she forgot to make cards. She shared all of the fancy items on her box with her classmates and all was fine.

[Holly]

LOVE IT!

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book for Valentine's Day.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter Ella loves this book and all other Mary Engelbreit books. The stories are always cute & sweet. The the artwork is vintage looking and great!

[The Book Box]

Mama read this to me yesterday. My favorite part was when Ann Estelle put wheels on her Valentine's box!

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Engelbreit's distinctive and bright illustrations enhance this Valentine's Day book.
Great for story times, this book has a nice message, too.

[Abbie Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally darling! Love everything Mary Engelbreit has written; perfect little Valentine's read!

[Kim Gubler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picture Book.
A good read for ages K-4. The moral of the story, to give away what you have to make others happy, is very touching because as you give to others, you become happy. Just like Ann.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book for Valentines day.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute valentine book. :)