School Library Journal
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PreS-Gr 2—Smith's signature illustration style shines in this sweet and quirky Valentine's Day tale. Stickler, "a one-of-a-kind creature," returns with his usual charm and earnestness. Hoping to share a stick for Valentine's Day, Stickler searches for another creature who might appreciate his gift. However, each animal he meets prefers something else like cards, jewelry, or flowers, leaving Stickler disheartened. When he comes across his friend Cat, she seems sad. He remembers that she likes flowers for Valentine's Day and realizes that giving something she would enjoy might be better than giving what he likes. With a heartwarming flourish, Stickler grows a flower from his head, much to Cat's delight. The story ends a bit abruptly, and readers may wish for an extended ending. Still, the humor, heart, and vivid visuals make this a worthwhile addition to holiday collections. It's also refreshing to see a Valentine's book that doesn't rely solely on pink, red, and hearts on every page. Smith's latest in the "A Stickler Story Series" continues to impress with artwork that's both visually striking and unmistakably his own—cool, textured, and full of character. VERDICT A whimsical holiday read with standout artwork, recommended for most collections.—Melanie Leivers

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From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

It’s another holiday for Stickler, the fuzzy tangle of sticks with big ears, big eyes (eight of them!), and a wide grin. Because the odd but equally adorable creature lives way out in “the Sticks,” naturally, there are no other Sticklers on whom to bestow valentine sticks. Undeterred, Stickler tries to gift valentine sticks to his woodland animal friends instead, but none seem to appreciate the gesture. The crow, for instance, prefers shiny things, and the beaver has more than enough sticks. Cat, though, is just sad and won’t say why. Ever introspective and thoughtful, Stickler finally remembers that Cat likes flowers and realizes that Valentine’s Day is about acknowledging what someone else loves rather than your own interests. An earlier amusing twist sets the scene for a lovely valentine for Cat and a visual treat for readers. Once again, Stickler’s irrepressible expressions and radiant joy, set within a softly rendered world, are sure to deliver tenderness at the right time of year.