Valentine’s Day Picture Book Review – Love Finds a Way

LOVE FINDS A WAY

Written and illustrated by Vern Kousky

(Roaring Brook Press; $18.99, Ages 3-6)

A Kids’ Indie Next List Pick!

Sometimes love finds you when you least expect it, especially when you’ve been making it very clear you want love to stay away! Love Finds a Way, a sweet picture book by Vern Kousky, demonstrates that point beautifully.

Oscar, a bird, is determined to keep love at bay.  In fact, he worries about it so much that he is compelled to find a way to protect himself. It’s clear he’s already loved by the squirrels, whom he rebuffs. There are several scenes in which the animals are shown carrying flowers, but love is not for him.

After trying “one thing after another,” Oscar gets a dog he names Brutus; he is certain he’s found a surefire way to scare off any love interest. Brutus proved to be so good at what he did, and so Oscar counted on him more than he knew. Readers will enjoy seeing Brutus learn what it takes to keep Oscar safe, but they may already suspect, before Oscar does, that the dog has become much more than a guard dog.

So, when Brutus goes missing from his routine patrol, Oscar cannot bear it. Has Oscar realized that he loves the dog? When at last Brutus returns, Oscar knows that something has changed. There’s no denying that, despite all his efforts to stave off love, Oscar’s love for Brutus has blossomed into a meaningful friendship. Once he acknowledges that, he’s free to welcome love in all its delightful forms. Throughout the book, the adorable illustrations convey Oscar’s growing love for Brutus, whether he admits it or not. I think if this book had no text, readers would still be able to understand Kousky’s heartwarming story. The joyful experience of watching how unexpected love and friendship find Oscar makes this a rewarding read for Valentine’s Day. Kids will be happy you shared Love Finds a Way with them!