The Mystery of the Love List

THE MYSTERY OF THE LOVE LIST is a delightful picture book about friendship. For art class, the children have been assigned making a love list of all the things that fill their hearts. Pippa isn't really sure what to write on her list, and she notes how alone she feels as the only porcupine. Later that day, she finds someone else's love list stuck to her quills, full of things she likes too - and her name! It turns out she has a best friend waiting to be found.

So Pippa does what every mystery lover should - put her detective skills to work to find this potential best friend. As she searches, it seems that this potential friend is quite elusive - or maybe just shy. With some clever planning, Pippa closes the case with a new friend.

What I loved: This is such a sweet and cute story about friendship and finding new friends. It can be tough to feel like you are all alone or different, and Pippa expresses this well. However, what she soon learns is that friends are hiding in unexpected places, and with a tailor-made friendship mystery, she is soon to find someone who is just her style. The story includes some great themes around friendship and finding your people as well as celebrates Valentine's day through the friends we love.

The book flows well and will work best for elementary school aged readers with some complexity and more involved story. With lush illustrations, Pippa really comes to life as well as her classmates and the fun of Valentine's day. Expressive characters and detailed images give children a lot to explore on each page.

Final verdict: THE MYSTERY OF THE LOVE LIST is a charming Valentine's day picture book about friendship. Highly recommend for a cute and sweet read with a little mystery and a lot of heart.