Saint Valentine

Rating:
Summary: AN IMAGINED PORTRAIT OF A FAVORITE SAINT
Review: While all certainly know the name St. Valentine and what his namesake day has come to represent, there is precious little actually known about the life of this saint. Much of our information is pure legend. Author Tompert takes the most lasting stories and uses them as a springboard for this picture book recommended for young readers, age 6 and up.

We do know that St. Valentine lived in Rome during the 3rd century and the reign of Claudius II.. It is a fact that he was a Christian priest; all other knowledge of him is lost.

However, one of the most enduring stories about him is that he performed secret weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry. He believed that dictate to be unjust. Author Tompert carries this legend further by imagining that Claudius was furious upon hearing this, and had Valentine thrown into jail.

Perhaps this legend is the basis for our contemporary celebration of St. Valentine's Day.

The soft watercolor illustrations depicting ancient Rome are dramatic. Full page paintings reflect the dress and surroundings of that day.

- Gail Cooke