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If You'll Be My Valentine
IF YOU'LL BE MY VALENTINE Cynthia Rylant and Fumi Kosaka If You'll Be My Valentine sweetly celebrates the true meaning of Valentine's Day. Charming prose and captivatingly sweet art create an adorable tableau of loving wishes from one little boy to all the members of his family.
32 pages, Paperback
First published December 14, 2004
About the author
Cynthia Rylant
380 books870 followersCynthia Rylant is an American author, poet, and librarian whose deeply felt books for children and young adults have made her one of the most beloved voices in contemporary literature. Writing across picture books, novels, short stories, nonfiction, and poetry, she has published more than one hundred works, many of them rooted in memory, family, solitude, and the emotional landscapes of ordinary life. Her fiction often draws from her upbringing in West Virginia and reflects the textures of Appalachian life with unusual tenderness and clarity.
Raised in modest circumstances, Rylant spent much of her childhood with her grandparents in a rural setting that later became central to her imagination as a writer. Those early years, marked by hardship as well as warmth, shaped the emotional honesty and quiet resilience that define her work. She later studied English and library science, and after working as a waitress, librarian, and teacher, she began publishing books inspired by the world she had known so intimately.
Among her most acclaimed works are Missing May, which received the Newbery Medal, and A Fine White Dust, a Newbery Honor Book. She also earned Caldecott Honors for When I Was Young in the Mountains and The Relatives Came. For younger readers, she became especially well known through the enduring Henry and Mudge series, as well as other popular books and series that combine gentleness, humor, and emotional depth.
Rylant's writing is distinguished by its compassion for lonely, searching, or overlooked characters, and by its reverence for animals, nature, and small human connections. Whether writing about grief, wonder, childhood, or belonging, she brings a lyrical simplicity that resonates across generations. Her books continue to offer comfort, recognition, and beauty to readers of all ages. She remains a singular literary presence in children's literature and beyond today.
Raised in modest circumstances, Rylant spent much of her childhood with her grandparents in a rural setting that later became central to her imagination as a writer. Those early years, marked by hardship as well as warmth, shaped the emotional honesty and quiet resilience that define her work. She later studied English and library science, and after working as a waitress, librarian, and teacher, she began publishing books inspired by the world she had known so intimately.
Among her most acclaimed works are Missing May, which received the Newbery Medal, and A Fine White Dust, a Newbery Honor Book. She also earned Caldecott Honors for When I Was Young in the Mountains and The Relatives Came. For younger readers, she became especially well known through the enduring Henry and Mudge series, as well as other popular books and series that combine gentleness, humor, and emotional depth.
Rylant's writing is distinguished by its compassion for lonely, searching, or overlooked characters, and by its reverence for animals, nature, and small human connections. Whether writing about grief, wonder, childhood, or belonging, she brings a lyrical simplicity that resonates across generations. Her books continue to offer comfort, recognition, and beauty to readers of all ages. She remains a singular literary presence in children's literature and beyond today.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
February 17, 2009
Cute! Nice little story-through-poetry of all the people (and animals!) in this little boy's life for whom he makes valentines.
April 13, 2021
This book is about a little boy who writes Valentine's day letters to everyone in his family, including his cat and dog! The story is very tender and full of love. A great book to read around Valentine's Day.
Like I said, in one of my more recent reviews, I want to start expanding on what I am reading more. I enjoyed reading this book because it had rhyming in the text. It was something different, and it kept me interested in the story. I wanted to know more.
Also, in my literature class, I am beginning to write a children's book. This book is set up as a close match of the way my teacher wants the layout of the book to be. It has the end pages that are symbolic of the theme of the story. There are the copyright page and the author's note in the correct spot. There are a couple of things missing, but I do plan on using this book to refer back on when designing my own children's book.
Like I said, in one of my more recent reviews, I want to start expanding on what I am reading more. I enjoyed reading this book because it had rhyming in the text. It was something different, and it kept me interested in the story. I wanted to know more.
Also, in my literature class, I am beginning to write a children's book. This book is set up as a close match of the way my teacher wants the layout of the book to be. It has the end pages that are symbolic of the theme of the story. There are the copyright page and the author's note in the correct spot. There are a couple of things missing, but I do plan on using this book to refer back on when designing my own children's book.
February 17, 2020
Overall this was pretty cute. The illustrations were cute, too.
Some rhymes were better than others.
I liked the part with the cat, dog and bird.
'If you'll be my valentine.
I'll kiss you on the nose.
I'll scratch your ears
and rub your head
and pet your little toes.'
'If you'll be my valentine
I'll sing a song for you.
And when you fly
up in the sky
then you can sing one, too.'
I liked the last lines:
'If you'll be my valentine
then I'll be one for you.
We'll love the trees
and all the world...
We'll love each other, too.'
And the stars outside the window were in a heart.
Some things didn't work about it, like how they were reading a book about frogs, which I found random, and making funny faces. That's not something you'd do on Valentines Day.
Some rhymes were better than others.
I liked the part with the cat, dog and bird.
'If you'll be my valentine.
I'll kiss you on the nose.
I'll scratch your ears
and rub your head
and pet your little toes.'
'If you'll be my valentine
I'll sing a song for you.
And when you fly
up in the sky
then you can sing one, too.'
I liked the last lines:
'If you'll be my valentine
then I'll be one for you.
We'll love the trees
and all the world...
We'll love each other, too.'
And the stars outside the window were in a heart.
Some things didn't work about it, like how they were reading a book about frogs, which I found random, and making funny faces. That's not something you'd do on Valentines Day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2008
Comments on the Story:
The story has a very sweet message the boy understands that being a Valentine means doing something nice for someone else and understanding what it is that they enjoy. Each page has a short poem like valentines verse for the person to whom the little boy wants to be his valentine. There is thus a lot of rhyme, alliteration, and rhythm.
Recommended Uses for the Book:
I think that this book could be used in a kindergarten class before Valentine’s day to talk about how being a valentine is more than just bringing in a card but is doing something nice for another person. I also think that this book could be read at home and during storytime. This book is easy to read aloud because of all the rhyme and alliteration. I think that the best audience for this book is young preschoolers.
The story has a very sweet message the boy understands that being a Valentine means doing something nice for someone else and understanding what it is that they enjoy. Each page has a short poem like valentines verse for the person to whom the little boy wants to be his valentine. There is thus a lot of rhyme, alliteration, and rhythm.
Recommended Uses for the Book:
I think that this book could be used in a kindergarten class before Valentine’s day to talk about how being a valentine is more than just bringing in a card but is doing something nice for another person. I also think that this book could be read at home and during storytime. This book is easy to read aloud because of all the rhyme and alliteration. I think that the best audience for this book is young preschoolers.
October 12, 2020
This book is coated in a feeling of happiness, and anchored in the realism of everyday life by the perceptive writing of Cynthia Rylant. If You'll Be My Valentine is sort of a love letter from child to parent, or parent to child, or even from child to pet or the other way around! This book would be great for reading around Valentine's Day. I'm glad to know that Cynthia Rylant was willing to write a nice, simple book like this one for kids to experience around the holiday.
I'd rate If You'll Be My Valentine somewhere in the neighborhood of one and a half to two stars.
I'd rate If You'll Be My Valentine somewhere in the neighborhood of one and a half to two stars.
February 6, 2016
An enjoyable library book I read to my granddaughter, Kelsey, twice today.
February 14, 2020
This was just okay. The best part about it is the illustrations; they're really cute and eye-catching. The characters are adorable, especially the puppy and kitten. It's a cute idea to make a Valentine's Day pledge to your pets. If you're a kid or you don't have a valentine it's a way of celebrating the day and realizing it can be about any kind of relationship where you love someone or something. It doesn't have to be a romantic kind of love, you can honor any kind of relationship you have.
There were valentines to his mom, parents, grandma, two to his brother, sister, kitten, puppy, teddy bear, a bird, etc. So it showed all the relationships a kid might have.
The poems themselves were the problem for me. The writing didn't match the illustrations and I wish the lines had been better.
The one to the puppy said he'll give it extra treaties and let it lick his feeties. No... I don't like making up words just to rhyme.
Another was to his older brother and they read a book about frogs, which was so random. The one to his mom mentioned having tea at three with cookies and an orange. It was so random. Who has an orange with tea?? Another features making silly faces with his brother. The last said if you'll be his valentine he'll be one for you. We'll love the trees and all the world and love each other too. It was jolting to have the entire book be about these immature, silly valentines and then have the end turn really serious and I didn't expect this tree-hugging, love-each-other message to come out of this book. The picture showed him hugging a tree and it was so random. But the last page was cute because the starts outside his window formed a heart.
I wish the valentines had matched the illustrations because they're so cute. But I wish the valentines had been better. Some of them were okay but the rest were just too random.
There were valentines to his mom, parents, grandma, two to his brother, sister, kitten, puppy, teddy bear, a bird, etc. So it showed all the relationships a kid might have.
The poems themselves were the problem for me. The writing didn't match the illustrations and I wish the lines had been better.
The one to the puppy said he'll give it extra treaties and let it lick his feeties. No... I don't like making up words just to rhyme.
Another was to his older brother and they read a book about frogs, which was so random. The one to his mom mentioned having tea at three with cookies and an orange. It was so random. Who has an orange with tea?? Another features making silly faces with his brother. The last said if you'll be his valentine he'll be one for you. We'll love the trees and all the world and love each other too. It was jolting to have the entire book be about these immature, silly valentines and then have the end turn really serious and I didn't expect this tree-hugging, love-each-other message to come out of this book. The picture showed him hugging a tree and it was so random. But the last page was cute because the starts outside his window formed a heart.
I wish the valentines had matched the illustrations because they're so cute. But I wish the valentines had been better. Some of them were okay but the rest were just too random.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2019
I remember reading this one a few years ago, and I wasn't all that impressed. Interestingly, I liked it a whole lot more this time. With a series of adorable little rhymes for everyone (and everything!) in the little boy's world, it truly captures the spirit of Valentine's Day. Love each other, seek to do what will make others happy, and look both close to home and around the world when it comes to sharing love. Very nice.
April 28, 2021
This book is super sweet and would be a great book to read around valentines day to explain the meaning of the holiday. I like that this book has alot of rhyming and would be easy to ask children to identify the rhyming words.
February 8, 2018
Short and sweet. Nice demonstration of showing affection differently for different relationships. Animals, friends, and family included!
May 26, 2018
I love this book celebrating valentines of all kinds! The rhymes are fun and the illustrations are colorful and sweet. Great addition to the classroom library for young readers; holiday book.
February 22, 2019
Fun read aloud for Valentines Day. Next time, I will not show the pictures but just read the rhyme. Then, students can try to guess who the valentine is for.
February 6, 2020
I love the sweet and simple rhymes in this book as well as the illustrations. So cute and great for toddlers/preschoolers.
February 14, 2020
Preschool and kindergarten story time.
Kids weren't overly impressed by it.
Kids weren't overly impressed by it.
February 11, 2021
My grandson woke up from a bad dream and we read/watched the reading of this book. He loved it. We snuggled and talked about all the people/items/animals we can have as valentines. Super cute story
April 28, 2021
This is a great book to read to the children. Teachers can use this book to teach children about Valentine's day. Teachers can also use this book as a precursor to writing or art activity.
April 28, 2021
Each page has a short poem like valentines verse for the person to whom the little boy wants to be his valentine. There is a lot of rhyme, alliteration, and rhythm.
February 13, 2022
I usually love Rylant’s books. This was a story in verse which made it feel like artificial connections had been made to get the rhyme written.
The illustrations were cute though.
The illustrations were cute though.
February 23, 2023
Cute and sweet.
Read
September 28, 2023This is a cute book that talks about the true meaning of the holiday Valentine’s Day.
February 5, 2025
A sweet rhyming book that explores different expression of love, such as for pets, wildlife, and relatives far away.
February 19, 2026
cute idea. The illustrations are soft and simple. not very many words on a page so it'd be perfect for a little ones.
November 27, 2017
I LOVE this book. This book was really cute and I loved the message. This little boy is talking about what he will do if someone will be his valentine. In this book, the little boy says " If you'll be my valentine, I'll be yours too". This little boy demonstrates his understanding of the meaning. of being a valentine. There is also a good about of rhyme in this book.
Read
March 10, 2017This book would be great to read at Valentines. I think the students would enjoy and then they could make their own Valentines.
February 23, 2020
This book is an adorable Valentine's day themed book about a little boy talking about all the people and things he loves in life in the form of poetry. This book has simple illustrations, a kind meaning, and easy words to make this a perfect book for read-aloud on Valentine's day.
"If you'll be my valentine
Then I'll be one for you.
We'll love all the trees in the world...
We'll love each other, too."
"If you'll be my valentine
Then I'll be one for you.
We'll love all the trees in the world...
We'll love each other, too."
February 15, 2017
This is proven winner every year for my valentine's day storytime. Short rhymes are featured on every page from one valentine to another. Love the different types of valentine. toddler and up.
January 30, 2014
This book is a great way to introduce Valentine's Day to toddlers and preschoolers. It follows a little boy as he makes special cards for all of the people, pets and things that he cherishes most. The pets, siblings, grandma, stuffed bear, and parents all get a card. Each page contains a large, cheerful illustration and a cute little poem explaining what the boy will do for each of his special valentine recipients. It's a great way to talk about doing something extra special for your loved ones to help celebrate the holiday.
October 18, 2014
This was a very touching story to me that brought about true love for everything. It makes you grateful for the small and simple things in life. I loved the illustrations which brought the book to life. The story line was amazing and how it ends made me reflect on my childhood. When I first started the book, I was not sure what was happening but as I went on, it made me feel joy and happiness inside. It reminded me of when I would get valentines from special people in my life and the happiness I would feel from that.
October 16, 2014
I love this book. Too often valentines day is taken as a solely romantic holiday. However for kids especially they need to be taught that it is to express love for others. In a class, you generally bring valentines for the whole class. But I love this aspect that the kid has all these valentines and when he asks them to be his valentine he does something nice for them. Great teaching activities that incorporates poetry, citizenship, art and a holiday activity.
March 2, 2009
A young boy makes unique valentines for all the people or things in his life. Very short, simple rhymes for each valentine the boy makes, a very sweet story to share with young ones at Valentine's. The illustrations are just as sweet and cheerful. A good one to read to groups of young children or one-on-one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews