Book Review: Athena's Special Valentine (children's book about a dog)

Athena's Special Valentine, by Judy Nole and Chloe Renee (BookBaby, 36pp, 2025, ages 3-12, $25.65HB)

With an imaginative dog on the cover - Athena - and a coloring page of the front cover inside, Athena's Special Valentine sparks an interest from the beginning. What could that special valentine be? Candy? Flowers? A friend?

A happy happy book, even though Athena has to have a bath and, later, a bow - with almost funny-looking dogs (Athena's bestie, Lincoln, looks like a golden retriever with short legs) or maybe they are all all-American hounds.

The entire day, Valentine's Day, is special with special friends and play dates in the dog park and even going out to dinner - and most of all, a gift and some huggies.

Athena learns what really makes a special day special and passes on her happiness to the young reader who can chat about what dogs like and what kids like on special days. Of course, there is even a "This book belongs to. . . . " page to color plus it is autographed by both authors!

Although Athena's Special Valentine was written first, the real first book in the series will be reviewed next: Athena, the anxious shepherd. Perhaps more holiday themed books will follow.