Today was Valentine’s Day. Little Mouse wanted to show Mama Mouse how much he loved her. So he left the hollow log in search of the perfect valentine.

First he scurried to the oak tree. Beneath it he found a pile of acorns and a few twigs. But he did not find the perfect valentine. “Mama Mouse is fond of acorns,” said Little Mouse. He put one in his backpack. “Now I must keep searching for the perfect valentine.”

Next he scampered to the tippy-top of a grassy hill. He found a patch of purple clover and a cluster of yellow dandelions. But he did not find the perfect valentine. Little Mouse sniffed the clover. “Mama Mouse loves purple clover.” He picked some blossoms to put in his pack. He also picked a few dandelions. He rubbed one of them on his cheeks. Maybe later Mama Mouse would let him color his feet yellow, too. “Now I must keep searching for the perfect valentine.”

But Little Mouse’s backpack was getting heavy. Suddenly, he lost his balance and tumbled down the hill! “Eeeeeeek!” he squeaked. When Little Mouse opened his eyes, he was looking at the most beautiful heart-shaped strawberry he had ever seen.

“The perfect valentine!” cried Little Mouse.

With his tiny, sharp teeth, Little Mouse plucked the strawberry. Then he trotted back to the hollow log.

Mama Mouse scooped him up in her arms. “Little Mouse, I was so worried! Where have you been?”

“Finding you the perfect valentine, Mama. See? And I brought you an acorn and some purple clover.”

“What lovely presents!” said Mama Mouse. “But promise that you will never go out alone again.”

“I promise,” said Little Mouse.
Mama Mouse smiled and held him close. “Do you know what would make this perfect valentine even more perfect?”

Little Mouse frowned. “How could it be more perfect?”

“If my Little Mouse shares it with me,” said Mama Mouse. Then she kissed his furry, yellow cheek.