A frank and often hilarious account of the baseball life from one of the game’s great iconoclasts. “…the most entertaining baseball book of the year!” —Baseball Almanac From his first year in Rookie ball, when Tommy Lasorda ordered him to send a letter to the Dodgers’ starting shortstop informing him that he should retire early to make way for the young phenom, to appearing in disguise in the Mets’ dugout following an ejection, Bobby Valentine was a lightning rod for mischievous controversy, grabbing headlines wherever he went. Mavericks are seldom welcomed to upset the status quo, and Major League Baseball was no exception. In astonishing detail, Bobby Valentine reflects on the many remarkable moments that comprised his playing and managerial careers. From his wild times as a player in the early seventies, to his transition to coaching with the Mets after a catastrophic injury derailed his playing days; from managing the Texas Rangers in 1985, where he employed sabermetrics and witnessed the beginning of the steroid era, to his iconic stretch at Shea Stadium, when he led the Mets to the 2000 World Series while battling a dysfunctional front office and ownership; from his beloved time in Japan managing the Chiba Lotte Marines, who won the Japan Series, to the absolute disaster of a season in Boston, where he was greeted by a toxic clubhouse and fractured organization. Readers will be intrigued by his off-the-field exploits as well, from his early years as an international ballroom dancing champion to his post-playing days where he may have invented the wrap sandwich and the modern sports bar. Valentine has consistently overcome adversity and reinvented himself, regardless of the playing field. Along the way, he shares stories and insights on memorable moments and iconic personalities, including Nolan Ryan, Ichiro Suzuki, Gary Carter, Mike Piazza, Tom Seaver, Joe Torre, George Steinbrenner, Dustin Pedroia, and David Ortiz. Valentine’s Way is a riveting look back on forty years of baseball, written with a novelist’s mind and a journalist’s memory, and in collaboration with legendary baseball author Peter Golenbock. A once-in-a-generation book that leaves no great story untold, this is an invaluable document for anyone wondering what it’s really like to play and work in the rarified world of Major League Baseball.

Each valentine that the mail carrier delivers is accompanied by a clue about who sent the card, and children are invited to make guesses while lifting flaps that reveal secret admirers

The New York Times bestselling Cat is back just in time for Valentine’s Day! Full of humor and heart, this picture book is perfect for fans of Bad Kitty, Mo Willems’s Elephant and Piggie books, and of course, Cat’s other capers, including Here Comes the Easter Cat, Here Comes Santa Cat, and Here Comes the Tooth Fairy Cat. Cat does NOT like Valentine's Day. It's much too mushy, and no way is he making anyone a valentine—especially not his new neighbor, Dog. Dog refuses to respect the fence: He keeps tossing over old bones and hitting Cat in the head! But just as Cat’s about to send Dog an angry "valentine" telling him exactly what he can do with his bones, Dog throws a ball over the fence. What is Dog playing at? Cat is in for a hilarious—and heartwarming—surprise in this story about being perhaps too quick to judge. A great Valentine's Day gift for any age—read it on Valentine's Day and year-round! "A charmer." —The Washington Post ★ “Wickedly fun.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review “Endearing . . . beautifully pitched comic timing.” —Kirkus “Fresh and satisfying . . . Empowers kids.” —BCCB “Simple but expressive . . . A favorite.” —SLJ

Valentine's Day is all about showing kindness to the most important people in your life—and if you're caring and thoughtful, you can help Cupid spread love and happiness, too! Will you spot a Cupid this Valentine's day? If you do, will you be ready to help him spread love and kindness? By being observant, helpful, and friendly, you can lend Cupid a hand, and together you can make special cards and gifts to show all your favorite people how much they mean to you. So, grab some supplies—stickers, markers, crayons, colored paper, glue, and whatever else you like (it's the thought that counts on Valentine's Day!)—and think of heartfelt messages to share with your loved ones. Then be ready to meet Cupid and work together to spread cheer and happiness! Sue Fliess’s poetic read-aloud text and Simona Sanfilippo’s vibrant, whimsical illustrations will provide joy for young readers eager to help Cupid share the love! Also included are guides for teachers and parents about how to engage children in making Valentine's Day cards and how to interest them in the history of the holiday, the mythology behind the winged messenger Cupid, and the value of being thoughtful and kind to everyone.

When Mirabel’s valentines fall out of her bag on the way to school, the shy little mouse panics. But those lost cards brighten some days . . . before making their way back to her. “This sweetly inspiring story of a timid mouse stepping outside her comfort zone is a winner. Great for Valentine’s or any day.” —School Library Journal “Mirabel was very shy. She’d always been that way. She trembled at the thought of giving Valentines away.” Poor Mirabel! It’s almost Valentine’s Day and the shy little mouse trembles at the thought of giving cards away. Yet she carefully crafts her valentines, drawing a heart on every one. In the morning, Mirabel forces herself to hurry to school. But, in her nervousness, she doesn’t notice her bag becoming lighter and lighter: her valentines are falling out! By the time she realizes what’s happened, they’re all gone. It turns out, though, that these lost valentines bring joy into the lives of all who find them. Then, with her valentines back in her pack, and some newfound friends, she musters up the courage to celebrate the holiday after all! This wonderful tale of overcoming insecurity will make its way to the hearts of all young readers.

It's Valentine's Day in Michigan, and I just want to say that I love you SO MUCH, and in SO MANY ways! Experience boundless and unconditional love as you travel around your home state in this sweet and colorful story. Based on Marianne Richmond's bestselling book "I Love You So...," I Love My Michigan Valentinecelebrates a parent's love for their child bycomparing their love to special characteristics of where they live! This heartwarming book puts into words the often indescribable quality of boundless, steady and unconditional love while using familiar landmarks around them. I Love My Michigan Valentineis the perfect way to share your love with a treasured child this Valentine's Day!

Every Day and Every WayFor Teaching Holidays and Special Days is a quick-reference mini-unit resource and activity book. It is designed for use by classroom teachers, curriculum coordinators and principals. Each mini-unit can readily be converted into a workable lesson plan. As a practicing educator you are well aware of the excitement and spirit that are usually generated in the classroom when holidays, festivals and special days are appropriately observed. Now, more than ever, educators like yourself are beginning to realize that the celebration or remembrance of a special event, historical anniversary or birthday can readily become a catalyst for integrating positive citizenship themes into the instructional program. You will find that your students will enjoy learning about the early origins of special holidays. They will be enriched by the tracing of their development, from past to present.