The Runaway Valentine (Library Binding)

by Tina Casey (Author), Theresa Smythe (Illustrator) "There were valentines that could dance, valentines that could sing, valentines that could spell out your name in puffs of pink and purple smoke, and..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
A boastful Valentine card learns how scrap paper feels in this sentimental debut by Casey and Smythe. Victor had everything, "the lace, the glitter, the sparkles, and he could sing twenty different love songs when you pushed a secret button on his belt." But when he accidentally falls to the grimy floor and performs a "marching cartwheel out of the store," this once-proud card becomes mere litter. A boy bends him into a scoop, a woman scrawls an address on him and a man uses him as shoe-padding until "there was nothing left of Victor but a little round piece of pink cardboard covered with red glitter." Casey redeems the sorry shred by making it part of a girl's handmade card to her grandmother. Smythe aptly illustrates the escapade in cut paper and cloth, collage components that might have come from forsaken greeting cards or sewing-box remnants. Victor actually gains value when he becomes a handicraft instead of a store-bought item, and his triumph ought to warm the hearts of those who fashion their own homemade cards and gifts. Ages 4-8.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
reS-Gr 1-A wordy text tells the story of a fancy valentine that falls off the card rack onto the floor and goes looking for somebody who will want him. The people he encounters are not kind. He gets wet, his lace is torn off, and he is reduced to a round piece of cardboard. A little girl finally rescues him and puts him into a card she is making. Some of Smythe's cut-paper collages are colorful and cheerful, but others are drab and lifeless. Unfortunately, one of the more unattractive compositions is on the cover.

Debbie Stewart, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (September 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807571784
• ISBN-13: 978-0807571781
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,520,129 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Funny Valentine, November 19, 2001

By A Customer

This book is funny, attractive, and charming. The illustrations by Theresa Smythe add even more life to a good story. My children flipped over the bright colors and textures. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A diamond in the rough..., January 17, 2002

By	"johnny_factor" (New Zealand) - See all my reviews

What a concept... a valentine's card that want's to be loved... not as deep as the Velveteen Rabbit perhaps, but T.Smythe's illustrations put a lot of soul into an otherwise ridiculous premise... it's a great book to bring out for kids on valentine's day and it encourages them to be creative and use their imagination--once again thanks to T.Smythe's illustrative flair... she's no novice at this! It's a shame we've been waiting so long to see her work... can't wait to see her next project...

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book about a Runaway Valentine EVER!, August 30, 2001

By A Customer

This is the funniest book, with the most clever illustrations. Theresa Smythe's illustrations are hysterical. This book is a must for your kid's Valentine present. But don't wait until then to check this book out!