Valentine's Day (Library Binding)

~ (Author), Lizzy Rockwell (Illustrator) "Today is going to be a busy day at school..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 3-Continuing their series of picture books depicting special days (Career Day [2000], Show & Tell Day [1997], Halloween Day [1997], and Thanksgiving Day [1999, all HarperCollins]), the Rockwells have again produced a realistic example of a classroom celebration. Mrs. Madoff's students are busy making valentines for Michiko, who is visiting family in Japan. Using construction paper, crayons, glitter glue, etc., each child creates a card and writes a personal message to her. Each valentine appears on a page with the short text that describes it, while the picture opposite illustrates the sentiment with which it was designed. For example, "Sarah's valentine is pink. Her valentine says, 'I miss you every single day, especially when it's snack time,'" is accompanied by a picture of the two girls sitting at a table sharing crackers and juice. Finally, the class takes a field trip to the post office to mail the cards. On Valentine's Day, they enjoy the origami valentines they receive from Michiko, and exchange cards as well. With a simple and accessible text that accurately reflects the language of preschool and primary classrooms, this book depicts a common childhood experience. The animated, colored-pencil illustrations give life to the faces of the classmates, as well as to their crafts and activities.
Piper L. Nyman, Fairfield/Suisun Community Library, Fairfield, CA
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 5-7. The children of Mrs. Madoff's class are making valentines for a "special friend." Each valentine recalls something about the recipient or expresses an emotion. Nicholas' card says, "you always let me take a turn on the slide." Sarah's pink valentine says, "I miss you every single day, especially when it's snack time." The text leaves the valentine recipient unnamed (too bad the flap copy doesn't), but children can get a clue by looking at the engaging illustrations that feature a Japanese girl having fun with her school chums, flying kites, buying shoes, sharing snacks, and going down slides. The valentines are sent to Japan, and on Valentine's Day, a box arrives at the classroom from Michiko. In it are origami valentines in the shape of birds, fish, and cats, as well as a photo of Michiko and her grandparents. The friendly text matches the well-executed pictures of friends. Kids need not have read the Rockwells' other books about this classroom, but those who have will welcome a return. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Library Binding: 40 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (December 5, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 006028515X
• ISBN-13: 978-0060285159
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 9.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,364,720 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Val-Day Book In My Class, February 15, 2002

By	"ca2sta" (California United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Valentine's Day (Hardcover)

Okay, teachers, you know most Valentines Day books out there are pretty much all the same. This one is not your normal drivel. The children in this book are making valentines for Michiko, whom we infer has moved to Japan. Ms. Rockwell does not insult our intelligence by telling us this right out at the beginning; the reader picks up on this. The super illustrations, done by Lizzy Rockwell (what a talented family!), ingeniously portray each student's valentine on the left page, and on the facing page, shows the memory of Michiko that prompted the valentine's theme. For example, Pablo makes a fish for a Valentine. The text says,"Will you be mine?" You have to look at the facing page to understand that Pablo made a fish valentine because his memory of Michiko centers around the fun they had at a pet store, looking at the fish tank.

My kindergartners loved this book. It portrays a multiculturally diverse classroom with grace and warmth.

P.S. Another "Not your normal Valentines Day book" is "Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink". That one's entertaining and my students loved it but it centers around a trick played by the central character that causes conflict. Plus, my students surreptitiously start reciting "Your feet really stink" behind my back. Rockwell's book is more in line with the loving aspect of Valentines Day.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great illustrations, but not her best work, April 14, 2005

By	bibliobethica "Beth" - See all my reviews

I usually love Anne Rockwell, but this one disappointed me. The writing is dull and didn't hold my attention or my children's.