As someone who grew up in a large family I totally appreciate this story about a young girl spending Valentine’s Day at home alone with her mom, while her six siblings are out for the day with their dad. Together they get the household chores done before breaking out the Valentine’s Day decorations setting their creativity loose to make the day special for the rest of their family. The main character’s name is Mia Valentina (i.e. my valentine), so she revels in her favorite day while making valentines and baking cupcakes, but then the day is tarnished when she notices that no one made a valentine for her, until at bedtime she finds the one her mom made for her tucked under her pillow. Throughout the story the old house is almost another character, with cracked windows and peeling wallpaper making it clear that the family maybe didn’t have a lot that was shiny and new, but overflowing with love that finds joy in simple delights. The story is warm and cozy and sentimental, and the illustrations capture and add to that tone beautifully.