1. THE PRINCE’S DIARY, by Renee Ting, Elizabeth O. Dulemba (Illus.) (Shen’s Books, $16.95, 1885008279) “The Prince’s Diary is The Prince’s Diary is The Prince’s Diarya delightful take on the traditional Cinderella story, told from the point of view of the Prince, who sees things a bit differently. This unique version is beautifully illustrated, and it tells a story that will delight boys as well as girls.”—Diane Van Tassell, Bay

Books, San Ramon, CA

3. I LIKE YOU, by Sandol Stoddard, Jacqueline Chwast (Illus.) (Houghton, $5.95, 0395071763) “This is always a favorite at Valentine’s Day for those who just can’t quite commit to the ‘Love’ word. The book’s appeal transcends traditional romantic relationships in its celebration of friendship.”—Linda Brummer,

BYU Bookstore, Provo, UT

5. THE 100 BEST LOVE POEMS OF ALL TIME: Timeless Versus of Passon and Romance, From Old Favorites to Modern Classics, edited by Leslie Pockell (Warner, $9.95 paper, 0446690228) “Old favorites, new verses, and some surprises make this a great col-lection for the celebration of love.”—Ann Carlson, Harborwalk Books, —Ann Carlson, Harborwalk Books, —Georgetown, SC

2. LOVE YOU FOREVER, by Robert Munsch, Sheila McGraw (Illus.) (Firefly Books, $12.95, 0920668364) “This story of the growth of love is a wonderful reminder that Valentine’s Day is not just for lovers—remember your Mom, too!”—Lynne Catelotti, Good Buy Books, Rensselaer, NY

4. BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, by Annie Proulx (Scribner, $9.95 paper, 0743271327) “When I first read this work, almost 10 years ago, when it was published in The New Yorker (and before I had ever The New Yorker (and before I had ever The New Yorkerheard of Annie Proulx), I thought it was the most powerful and beautiful piece of writing I had ever encountered. It remains for me the most moving love story I can imagine.”—Meg Kaufman, Eagle Harbor

Book Company, Bainbridge Island, WA

6. ALL ABOUT US, by Philipp Keel(Broadway, $12.95, 0767905016) “This journal for couples is a fun way to find out things you never knew about each other, both serious and trivial.”—Blake Hardy, Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse, Atlanta, GA

kHere are some great titles to “Get Caught Reading” this Valentine’s Day.

C o n t i n u e d o n o t h e r s i d e

C o m p l i m e n t a r y C o p y ♥ T a k e O n e ♥ C o m p l i m e n t a r y C o p y ♥ T a k e O n e ♥ C o m p l i m e n t a r y C o p y ♥ T a k e O n e

Valentine’s Day 2 0 0 6

For more bookseller discoveries in this and other subject areas, visit www.BookSense.com

To find the independent bookstore nearest you, call 1-888-BOOKSENSE or search the directory at www.BookSense.com. Thank you.

These 10 books represent the best Valentine’s Day books, as compiled from recommendations from independent booksellers across America. One bookseller’s quote is chosen to represent each of these top vote-getters.

Get Caught Reading is a nationwide book and magazine industry-supported literacy campaign to remind people of all ages how much fun it is to read. Research indicates that early language experience stimulates a child’s brain to grow and that reading to children gives them an advantage when they start school. We encourage people of all ages to enjoy books and magazines and to share that pleasure with the young children in their lives. Get Caught Reading is honored to have the support of well-known figures, including First Lady Laura Bush, Drew Carey, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Donald Duck, Patty Duke, Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Graham, Derek Jeter, Vernon Jordan, Jake Lloyd, Rosie O’Donnell, Dolly Parton, The Rugrats, Jane Seymour, Sammy Sosa, Spider-Man, Erik Weihenmayer, and Robin Williams, who have all been “caught reading” their favorite books and magazines for print ads and posters seen by millions of people across the country. In addition,

more than 200 Members of Congress have been photographed “caught reading” on Capitol Hill. For more information, visit www.getcaughtreading.com, and “Get Caught Reading” a Book Sense Picks book today.

7. ESSENTIAL MANNERS FOR COUPLES: From Snoring and Sex to Finances and Fighting Fair—What Works, What Doesn’t, and Why, by Peter Post (Collins, $21.95, 006077665X) “So it’s not exactly a romantic gift, but, darn it, why not give the gift that keeps on giving! Truly helpful advice, good humor and hope for the future—what could be a better gift?”—Karen Allman, The Elliott Bay Book Company, Seattle, WA

9. THE MASTER AND MARGARITA, by Mikhail Bulgakov (Penguin Classics, $12.95 paper, 0141180145) “Witches, demons, vampires, and a pistol-packing black cat cannot hide the absolutely heart-breaking love story about a woman who literally goes to Hell to rescue the man she loves.”—Donna Hawley, Howard’s Bookstore, Bloomington, IN

8. IF KISSES WERE COLORS, by Janet Lawler, Alison Jay (Illus.) (Dial, $15.99, 0803726171) “This wonderful book really expresses a parent’s love for his or her child and makes a great Valentine’s Day book.”—Karlene Rearick, The Alphabet Garden, Cheshire, CT

10. THE STORY OF THE HEART, by Sandra Magsamen, with Linell Smith (Rizzoli, $39.95, 0847823369) “This look at the many meanings of love is wonderful.”—Nancy Simpson, The Book Vault, Oskaloosa, IA