Saint Valentine

Rating:
Summary: An Attractive Story of St. Valentine for Elementary Kids!
Review: I was just handed this attractive story about Saint Valentine by a 3rd & 4th grade teacher who is using it in her classroom as part of her Valentine's Day activities. I'm the librarian at a public elementary school, so I read through it quickly with great delight. Since we don't have it in our collection, it is one I hope we can acquire before Valentine's Day next year!

While this story is about a saint of the Christian faith, the religious aspect of the story is toned down and not preachy. While Valentine's faith, and his role as a priest, are woven into the story, the text emphasizes his role as a physician and his relationship with the blind daughter of a Roman jailer who seeks healing. The "Notes on the text" at the end of the book explain Valentine's connection with the celebration of love.

The warm colored mosaics, with their icon-like appearance, are a fitting complement to the text. This book is visually appealing, and both the size of text and word choice make it appropriate for primary and middle grade readers.

It's my opinion that "Saint Valentine" would be a welcome addition to both school and church libraries, as well as in the collections of families who want to see historical, and saintly, figures like this come to life.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful book!
Review: I was just handed this attractive story about Saint Valentine by a 3rd & 4th grade teacher who is using it in her classroom as part of her Valentine's Day activities. I'm the librarian at a public elementary school, so I read through it quickly with great delight. Since we don't have it in our collection, it is one I hope we can acquire before Valentine's Day next year!

While this story is about a saint of the Christian faith, the religious aspect of the story is toned down and not preachy. While Valentine's faith, and his role as a priest, are woven into the story, the text emphasizes his role as a physician and his relationship with the blind daughter of a Roman jailer who seeks healing. The "Notes on the text" at the end of the book explain Valentine's connection with the celebration of love.

The warm colored mosaics, with their icon-like appearance, are a fitting complement to the text. This book is visually appealing, and both the size of text and word choice make it appropriate for primary and middle grade readers.

It's my opinion that "Saint Valentine" would be a welcome addition to both school and church libraries, as well as in the collections of families who want to see historical, and saintly, figures like this come to life.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful book!
Review: I wish I had a book like this for St. Nicholas, but I will look for one on St. Patrick too. This is a really interesting book.

Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Account of St. Valentine's Life (Legend)
Review: While we cannot be sure that the story of St. Valentine given here is true, due to the lack of historical data, Robert Sabuda gives a wonderful rendition of the St. Valentine legend as most Catholics know it. Kids love the story, the miracle, and the sacrifice that St. Valentine makes for his love of God. I've read it to first through fourth graders on several occasions. We then discuss faith legend, martyrdom and miracle at their age level. The illustrations are fabulous mosaics. I highly recommend this book to parents and teachers!