Cheery and kid-friendly, the poems can be read independently or from cover to cover as a full story. To make the celebration complete, the last pages of the book contain stickers and a double-sided “BEE MINE!” valentine that readers can, with adult help, cut out. The poems also extend the Valentine’s celebration to the community park, where other couples-some older, one that appears to be same-sex-are struck by cupid’s “magical love arrows.” Note the child running away: “Blech!” Not everyone wants to “end up in love!!!” But the spread devoted to Valentine’s jokes will please readers more interested in humor than in romance and inspire children to create their own jokes. The students give valentines to their school friends, of course, but we also see one child making a “special delivery” to a pet, a stuffed animal, family members, and even the crossing guard. At school, children create valentines until party time finally arrives with lots of yummy treats. One student starts the day by carefully choosing clothing in pink, purple, or red, while a family kicks off the morning with a breakfast of red, heart-shaped pancakes. (This book was reviewed digitally.)Ī collection of poems follows a group of elementary school students as they prepare for and celebrate Valentine’s Day. Ty and his family are Black, Santa is brown-skinned, and the elves and children at Santa’s workshop are diverse. Though the storyline is a basic “day in the life,” the illustrations will delight readers.

There are big sprays of snow as the children sled gleefully as well as patterned scarves and the springy curls of Ty’s hair. Mata’s crayonlike images, which look as though they were created by Ty himself, depict Ty’s imaginings, while the illustrations of real life are more saturated, conveying movement and texture. Ty’s expressive face conveys his initial disappointment at not seeing Santa and his eventual surprise and joy. Lyons tells a simple story that leans on Mata’s illustrations to bring it to life. After sledding, Ty’s big wish to meet Santa comes true. He and Momma head out with pup Brownie past a snowpal, a group of singing polar bears, and dancing dolls and toy soldiers, all straight out of Ty’s imagination. Ty notices that his North Pole snow globe resembles the freshly fallen snow in his own neighborhood.

This installment of the Ty’s Travels early-reader series focuses on the magic of the holiday season. Ty and Momma explore a Christmassy winter wonderland.

Ty's Travels by Kelly Starling Lyons