Valentine's Day Jitters

October 1, 2021
Grades K-3 Sarah Jane Hartwell, introduced in the surprise-ending First Day Jitters (2000), is an elementary-school teacher whose best-laid lesson and fieldtrip plans often fall apart in completely entertaining ways. In this, the sixth entry in the Jitters series, Mrs. Hartwell has the jitters about making the perfect Valentine's Day party for her class. She's haunted by images of past disastrous class parties, like the splattered pumpkins at Halloween and the pre-Thanksgiving party where a live turkey ran amok. Mrs. Hartwell does everything right, like consulting with her "team of experts"--the kids in her class--about what they'd like, and doing careful prep beforehand. Predictably, though, the cake collapses, the crafts projects end up beyond messy, and the games turn chaotic--but everyone helps Mrs. Hartwell and has a terrific time. The illustrations, done in watercolor, transparent dyes, and india ink, are great at showing comic chaos. Fun, though the series may appeal more to teachers, all of whom face down never-ending challenges.

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January 1, 2022

K-Gr 2-School teacher Mrs. Hartwell is a bit scatterbrained. She's trying to plan a Valentine's Day party for her class, but for once she'd love it to go smoothly instead of ending up as one of her usual disasters. After soliciting suggestions for relevant activities from her students, she prepares for the day. Due to the usual chaos and her overall messiness, the party gets a bit out of control, and the cake reveal is a bust. However, Mrs. Hartwell cannot be sad for too long, as her loving students clean up, salvage the cake, and make a huge Valentine for her, listing all the reasons she is such a wonderful teacher. Love's illustrations lend a lot to the story, portraying a diverse cast of exuberant students. Pandemonium is always on display, but it is good-natured; this entry in the "Jitters" series reassures that good intentions are always rewarded, and tells a Valentine's story that is not overly treacly. VERDICT School stories about Valentine's Day can be hard to find; while not outstanding, this book fills a need.-Allison Gray

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