Valentine’s Day by Ann Heinrichs
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Ann Heinrichs’ Valentine’s Day picture book is an overview of the holiday for young readers. This book covers more of the traditions and symbols behind the holiday rather than any specific history of how the day came to be. There is a short “chapter” here on Saint Valentine as well as the Roman festival Lupercalia on February 15th, but both comprise about five pages total with a quick brush through history.
One particular feature of this picture book is the numerous poems and quotes from literature throughout the ages. From anonymous poems to Shakespeare to Plato, there are plenty of fascinating snippets from poems that will give kids an introduction to literature talking about Valentine’s Day as well as love in general.
The illustrations here are fine, but they aren’t exactly thrilling, interesting, or exciting. Many of the illustrations seem rather typical for this kind of non-fiction children’s book and none of the pictures really stand out.
There are also some activities for kids in the back of the book, including recipes, DIY crafts, and some suggestions for ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
If you’re looking for an overview book of the holiday, this book is fine, but there are certainly more fascinating books out there on Valentine’s Day. If you’re looking for more information on Saint Valentine, this is not the book to go to.