The Ballad of Valentine

Written by: Alison Jackson

First line: In a cabin, in a canyon/Near a mountain laced with pine,/Lived a girl who was my sweetheart,/And her name was Valentine.

Why you should read this book: I asked a librarian for a Valentine-themed children's book that was not insipid, and this is what I got. The narrator is desperate to send a love letter to his darling, but over and over again, it goes astray, despite his reliance on the postal service, homing pigeons, smoke signals, morse code, a sky writer, and other methods. Set to the tune of "Oh, My Darling Clementine," it's a funny piece whimsy for kids who want to laugh.

Why you shouldn't read this book: Unlucky in love.