PICTURE BOOK REVIEW : Valentines are the Worst! by Alex Willan
ABOUT THE BOOK
An unsuspecting Gilbert the Goblin finds himself in the crosshairs of cupids and their heart-tipped arrows in the hilarious latest installment in The Worst! picture book series, where even the strangest of creatures can become the best of friends.
Who needs valentines? Not Gilbert the goblin! There’s no time for cards and hugs and all that mushy malarky with far more important matters at hand—like, uh…eating tacos. When Gilbert bumps into a squad of cupids bent on showering him with love arrows, he runs for his life!
This is clearly proof that valentines are the worst! Can Gilbert avoid the trappings of the holiday or will love find a way?
REVIEW
As in previous books in the series, Gilbert the Goblin complains about the problems he sees with Valentine's Day, what he calls 'mushy malarkey'. Young readers who don't care for the holiday will find much to relate to in the book. Although, Gilbert's complaints seem a tad trifling. Coconut chocolates are 'Blech'. He seems to have a special issue with the cupid's 'perfect', 'beautiful', and 'luxurious' hair. When Gilbert faces off with a group of cupids, he just barely manages to escape their love arrows, or so he thinks until he backs into a cactus in his own yard and believes he has been pricked by one such love arrow. He then becomes a goblin full of love. He loves his spells, his potions, even himself, but not coconut chocolates. He even welcomes his friends over to celebrate before bidding his pet sock slugs a fond goodnight. Good thing the love spell wears off. This funny book follows the pattern of the previous five books, but the addition of adorable cupids as well as Gilbert's beloved cactuses and pet sock slugs provides plenty of freshness as Gilbert once again (reluctantly) joins in the festivities. Plenty of fun for young fans of the series. The end papers add to the fun with negative candy heart messages at the front and positive Valentine's cards at the end.
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