A Stickler Valentine (Hardcover)

Stickler, the woodland creature from the mind of award-winning author-illustrator Lane Smith, returns to celebrate Valentine’s Day by giving his friends his favorite gift: sticks. A humorous and witty friendship story that encourages kindness and empathy.

Stickler, a one-of-a-kind creature made of sticks, is giving his friends Valentine’s Day sticks, but none of them are interested in Valentine’s sticks. Crow says he prefers fine, shiny things, Beaver likes receiving funny cards, and Wolf doesn’t care for Valentine’s sticks – they’re too small to chew on! When Stickler tries to offer Cat a Valentine stick, she does not want one. “Hmm…” he wonders, “Maybe Valentine’s Day is not about what Stickler loves, but what others love.”

Stickler has an idea: he will give Cat a gift he knows she wants.  

Lane Smith, the award-winning illustrator of Giraffe Problems and The Stinky Cheese Man, presents a story about showing friendship and being thoughtful with humor and wit. Featuring the return of the irresistible Stickler (first seen in A Gift for Nana), this lighthearted picture book celebrates the ways we show kindness and love in gestures big or small.

Reviews

"Smith....continues to impress with artwork that’s both visually striking and unmistakably his own—cool, textured, and full of character. A whimsical holiday read." —School Library Journal

"A visual treat for readers. Once again, Stickler’s irrepressible expressions and radiant joy, set within a softly rendered world, are sure to deliver tenderness at the right time of year." —Booklist

About the Author

Lane Smith is the author-illustrator of numerous award-winning and bestselling books for children. He is the recipient of the Kate Greenaway Medal, two Caldecott Honors, five New York Times Best Illustrated Book selections, and lifetime achievements from the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art and the Society of illustrators. He is the author of Stickler Loves the World, A Stickler Christmas, and A Gift for Nana. He also illustrated Penguin Problems, Giraffe Problems, and Cat Problems, all written by Jory John. Lane Smith lives in Connecticut with his wife, Molly Leach, an award-winning graphic designer.