Story and illustrations by Mary Engelbreit, the famous artist, illustrator and craft master. This is one of the Ann Estelle stories. Ann created the most special Valentine mailbox, but forgets to make cards.

In this Ann Estelle story, Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and Ann Estelle is busy making her valentine box. Valentine's Day is Ann Estelle's favorite holiday. She loves the candy hearts and boxes of chocolates, but most of all she loves making things. As a class project, everyone is busy decorating boxes, but, of course, Ann Estelle wants her box to be special. What will it take? Feathers and lace? Glitter and flowers?

Ann Estelle's box is the best in the class, but when it's time to pass out the valentine's she realizes that she has forgotten something. What could it possibly be? Ann Estelle feels just awful, but the quick thinking little girl comes up with a plan. How will she get herself out of this predicament? Read the book and find out why they call Ann Estelle the Queen of Hearts.

The Bottom Line: Mary Engelbreit is one of my favorite illustrators, and the Ann Estelle series is just darling. This is the third book in the series, and it focuses on friendship and sharing. The illustrations are classic Engelbreit and feature plenty of festive pinks, reds, and purples. Little girls in grades Pre-K - 2 will adore Ann Estelle as will fans of Engelbreit in general.

This review also appears at the Mini Book Bytes Book Review Blog. ( )