ALA Booklist (Sat Nov 01 00:00:00 CDT 2014)

When Ruby Valentine boards a train for a short trip to the city, her pretty pet bird, Lovebird, never suspects that Ruby will return with a fluffy kitten named Sweetie Pie. Suddenly, Lovebird has a competitor for her girl's attention. She decides to re-establish herself as first in Ruby's heart by going all-out for Valentine's Day. But Sweetie Pie the kitten keeps one-upping her, and when Ruby returns from Valentine's Day shopping, she finds a very unloving brawl. After she assures Sweetie Pie and Lovebird that "there's room in my heart for two," they tidy up, have a meal together, and watch a movie. Friedman's soothing rhymes about the jealousy between the two pets is a clever, oblique way to address new baby anxiety, and many soon-to-be siblings may appreciate the reassurances at the end. Avril's charmingly off-kilter, energetic watercolor-and-pencil illustrations in a holiday-appropriate palette of reds, pinks, and chocolate brown save the story from too-saccharine sweetness, and it's still plenty sweet for a Valentine's Day read-aloud.

School Library Journal (Wed Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2014)

PreS-Gr 2 Heartland residents Ruby and her pet Lovebird are back with another Valentine's Day tale. This time, Lovebird is dismayed upon the arrival of a new addition to the family. A kitten named Sweetie Pie appears to be the "new apple of Ruby's eye," and there's nothing like jealousy to make household tensions escalate. Driven to reclaim her former status as number one pet, Lovebird plans all kinds of special treats for Ruby, but a competitive and not-so-sweet Sweetie Pie tries to outdo each gesture. A brawl ensues, and it takes Ruby's gentle reassurance set things right and convince everyone that she has plenty of love to go around. Avril's pink and red cartoon illustrations capture the spirit of the occasion and are very entertaining. Friedman delivers an important message, though the rhyme scheme is forced and awkward at times. Similar in theme to Sam Lloyd's Mr. Pusskins and Little Whiskers (S. &; S., 2008), this title will be a useful addition where holiday books are in demand or to address the needs of any child trying to adapt to a new sibling. Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

Horn Book (Wed Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2015)

Ruby Valentine returns, and her pet bird isn't pleased when Ruby brings home a new kitten. The pets' competition to outValentine's Day each other to impress Ruby is amusing and deserves better than the too-pat resolution ("There's room in my heart for two"). The verses are all rhyme and no rhythm; more attention seems to have been paid to the heart-festooned illustrations.