The Yuckiest, Stinkiest, Best Valentine Ever

A fresh, funny Valentine's Day book for cootie- and candy-lovers alike—illustrated by picture book favorite, Tedd Arnold!


Leon has a crush. A let-her-cut-in-line-at-the-water-fountain kind of crush. And he's got the perfect valentine. But this valentine has no intention of getting caught up in any romantic conspiracy. "Love is yucky, kid! Valentine's Day is all about CANDY!" the card yells at Leon, before leaping out the window and running away, leaving Leon to chase it across town, collecting kids along the way. Saying "I love you" has never been so yucky or so sweet.


"...a boisterous, just-sweet-enough comic caper."—The New York Times  Praise for The Yuckiest, Stinkiest, Best Valentine Ever

"Get ready to enjoy a laugh-out-loud, fast-paced adventure involving a secret crush, a runaway valentine with an attitude and lots of candy."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"With its creative story line and upbeat writing, this picture book is a must for holiday collections."—School Library Journal

"Navigates the palm-sweating sweetness of first love with tenderness, humorously echoed by Arnold's nervy graphics."—Publishers Weekly

"...a boisterous, just-sweet-enough comic caper."—The New York Times

Accolades for Tedd Arnold

I Spy Fly Guy! - Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book
Rat Life - Edgar Award Winner and Children's Book Sense Pick
Hi! Fly Guy - Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book
Axle Annie - Smithsonian Notable Book of the Year
Parts - Parents Magazine Best Children's Books
No More Water in the Tub! - IRA-CBC Children's Choice
Green Wilma - IRA-CBC Children's Choice and Parents' Choice Spring's Finest Picture Books
No Jumping on the Bed! - IRA-CBC Children's ChoiceBrenda Ferber (www.brendaferber.com) is a mom of three and the author of two novels for children: Julia's Kitchen and Jemma Hartman, Camper Extraordinaire. She lives in Deerfield, Illinois. 

Tedd Arnold (www.teddarnoldbooks.com) has written and/or illustrated about 70 children's books, including two Geisel Honor winning Fly Guy titles, the popular Parts series, and the Edgar Award winning novel Rat Life. He and his wife, Carol, have two grown sons.