Why not give a love-related book to a youngster for Valentine's Day? It's a gift that, as opposed to candy hearts, keeps on giving year 'round.

"Hearts" by Thereza Rowe; Toon Books; 32 pages; $12.95.

Ever come across a picture book you're drawn to immediately and can't put down? This little gem from Toon Books, a hip comic-related children's book publisher, is just that due to its bold, mod, simply cool illustrations. But when the book is read, the heartfelt, action-packed story shines through.

Penelope the Fox drops her heart into the sea after her best friend moves away (on a retro spaceship). She then chases the cracked heart undersea and dodges sharks, then to a castle of royal cat guards, and finally, led by a cartwheeling chicken, to the fabulous garden of lost things.

As a "level-one" easy-to-read comic book, "Hearts" is sparse on words, making it perfect for kindergarten and first-graders. Its flowing comic style helps kids learn to follow along and to discover more in each page spread with every reading. Best of all, "Hearts," through all of its amazing, playful scenes, tells a lovely story about the importance of friendship and following your heart.

"We Love Each Other" by Yusuke Yonezu; minedition; 28 pages; $9.95.

Using simple shapes, innovative cutouts and cuddly animals, this sturdy, sleek board book features two red lovebirds on the cover and a similar red heart on the back. With a clean white background, the theme is about love and how two cute creatures fit together as a shape.ok,

"Mice love each other," stars two blue triangle-shaped mice who fit inside a larger triangle; "Turtles love each other" shows one half-circle turtle, then another, fitting into a whole circle.

A smart way to introduce simple shapes, adorable animals and a Valentine's-worthy love theme, Yonezu's board book is precious.

"Aphrodite: Goddess of Love" by George O'Connor; First Second; 80 pages; $9.99.

As part of best-selling author George O'Connor's "Olympians" series of cartoon-style graphic novels, this sixth volume is not only meticulously researched but also engaging and entertaining for middle-grade kids, (ages 9 and up).

"Aphrodite" tells the story of the goddess of love's birth, the story of her son Eros (Cupid), plus the tales of Pygmalion and Galatea, and the beginning of the Trojan War. With colorful, detailed cartoon characters and tons of adventurous Greek mythology, "Aphrodite" is perfect for Valentine's Day, with its love and beauty contest theme.

"Will You Still Love Me If ... ?" by Catherine Leblanc; illustrated by Eve Tharlet; minedition; 32 pages; $16.99.

A truly beautiful ode to mother/child love, Leblanc's gorgeous picture book stars winsome Little Bear, who worries about how much his mother loves him and whether something bad will happen to her. Calm, gentle Mother Bear reassures Little Bear time and time again, and answers all his concerns with strong love and positive comments.

The rhythmical text flows in a poetic manner, making "Will You Still Love Me?" the perfect bedtime read-aloud; and Tharlet's natural, charming illustrations paint a homey backdrop comfortable for preschoolers.

"The Book of Love" by Lynn Weingarten; HarperTeen; 272 pages; $17.99.

Teen girls love to read about love. Weingarten's new young adult novel follows the girls from her "The Secret Sisterhood of Heartbreakers" as they get stronger and more confident. Readers will be happy that Lucy is no longer an innocent girl pining away for a guy who doesn't deserve her. Now she's a fierce "Heartbreaker" with glamorous sisters and an unbreakable heart.

Magic figures into this zesty read, too, and it's time for the girls to enter a contest to win "The Book of Love," an ancient tome containing centuries' worth of Heartbreaker wisdom, and maybe enough magic to fix their friend Tristan's broken heart.

A super-cool read great for Valentine's season, Weingarten's book celebrates friendship, love and heartbreak in an exciting, motivating manner.

To find out more about Lee Littlewood and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.