Nelson in Love: An Adam Joshua Valentine's Day Story - Hardcover

Grade 1-4-- ``Everybody thought Halloween was the scary holiday, but Adam Joshua thought Valentine's Day was a whole lot scarier.'' So begins the latest adventure about the boy and his friends. Adam Joshua has reason to be worried. Not yet smitten with love, he is amazed to hear his best friend, Nelson, ramble on about classmate Heidi's hair, its color and shine. Confusion reigns in his classroom as the big day approaches; everyone is making valentines or valentine boxes, writing notes to secret friends, and lining up, when the teacher isn't around, to have fellow classmate Martha inscribe Magic Marker heart tattoos with initials. Although some of the situations are overdone, this won't bother young readers; they will identify with Adam Joshua, his friends, and the classroom activities. Smith has again captured with wit and warmth the feelings and frustrations of primary-grade children, and Gackenbach's illustrations nicely complement the text. A good selection for children moving beyond beginning chapter books and a most welcome addition to holiday shelves. --Diane S. Marton, Arlington County Library, VA
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Adam Joshua finds that Valentine's Day is ``a whole lot scarier'' than Halloween. Just as longtime best buddy Nelson develops a baffling crush on classmate Heidi, Adam Joshua's good old dog George begins to run off with Lucy, the new dog on the block. Then he learns that his name has been omitted from the Secret Friends exchange, but he's getting notes and candy anyway. Adam Joshua has a lot of worries and no one to talk to, since George has always been his closest confidant. Events culminate on Valentine's Day, beginning with Nelson's innocent gift to Heidi: a goldfish, which she detests so much that she vows revenge on the unknown perpetrator. Then Adam Joshua's suspicions are confirmed when he discovers that Heidi has been his unauthorized Secret Friend. In a selfless, courageous moment, Adam Joshua acts on Nelson's behalf, with a move that will have readers shrieking with delight. Recalling Frog and Toad's loyal friendship, this funny, endearing story is a welcome addition for transitional readers at Valentine's Day. One of Smith's best. (Fiction. 6-9) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.