The Valentine Express [School & Library Binding]

Nancy Elizabeth Wallace (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

It’s Valentine’s Day! Minna’s teacher explains why the class celebrates the holiday every year on February 14th. But Minna and her brother, Pip, give the holiday special meaning when they discover that their neighbors might not have gotten any valentines.

Illustrated in Nancy Wallace’s signature cut-paper style, and filled with ideas for Valentine’s Day cards and crafts, this sweet story encourages children to celebrate the holiday by doing something kind for others.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2–On Valentine's Day, Minna shares cards and goodies with her classmates. As she and her brother walk home, they talk about their day. Worried that their neighbors might not receive any valentines, they formulate a plan to make cards for them. The story is illustrated with vibrant cut-paper collages in brilliant colors. The characters are all rabbits in various shades of brown, tan, and gray. Wallace has incorporated the history and meaning of the holiday into the narrative and presents examples of celebrations around the world. Directions for making Minna and Pip's creations–a flag with a butterfly, a heart mobile, and a tic-tac-heart game–are depicted in the text and artwork, and readers will be inspired to make their own versions. This exciting and beautifully illustrated book is a fine addition to holiday collections.–Rebecca Sheridan, Easttown Library & Information Center, Berwyn, PA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

PreS-Gr. 1. Wallace, who has used her bright, deceptively simple paper cuts to bring subjects such as autumn and apples to life, now turns her attention to the ever-popular topic of Valentine's Day. As in past books, the starring characters are young rabbits. In Minna's classroom, the teacher gives a short history of the holiday, and then a party ensues. But the real story begins when Minna and her younger brother make valentines for the neighbors. Their well-intentioned endeavor runs into a few snags, though ultimately everything ends happily. Wallace's bunnies are so adorable they could be discussing how paint dries and they'd still be fun to look at, and the story brings home the pleasures of Valentine's Day, a red-letter day on most kids' calendars. Perhaps most important, the book stresses how sharing the holiday spirit can make everyone happy. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• School & Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Marshall Cavendish Childrens Books (November 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761451838
• ISBN-13: 978-0761451839
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 9.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #985,476 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bunny Valentines, March 29, 2008

By 

Heidi (New Mexico) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Valentine Express (School & Library Binding)

My son loves Valentines and we have gotten totally off track with holidays so we are reading the books as we get to them. This picture book is about 2 "kids" bringing Valentine joy to their neighbors. I thought it was a sweet book and my 8-year-old son loves bunnies. Recommended for preschool - 2nd grade.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Library Must Have, March 2, 2008

By 

Kerry Caparco "Liberal Librarian" (rhode island) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Valentine Express (School & Library Binding)

I purchased this book for our library because most of the books describing Valentine's Day are boring, outdated and worn. This fresh perspective includes facts, plus gives you ideas on how to make your own valentines. To me, it is "killing two birds with one stone," but really three birds when you think how much you have enjoyed the story and illustrations!