Valentine’s Day Is by Gail Gibbons
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Having read a few picture books on Valentine’s Day, I found Gail Gibbons’ Valentine’s Day Is… to be a fun, well-illustrated book that contained information I have not seen in other books on the holiday.
Each page is set up with the phrase: “Valentine’s Day Is…” and is finished with things like “candy,” “love,” or “hearts.” The pages then go on to explain very simply and succinctly various traditions and symbols related to Valentine’s Day, including Saint Valentine and ancient Roman practices of putting names in an urn and drawing them, similar to today’s valentine cards and valentine mailboxes so many kids make.
Those looking for historical information on Saint Valentine will find only a copy of pages on him here, which are very sparse in actual information. At the end of the book there is a great DIY Valentine project that is simple and fun as well.
The illustrations are bright, vibrant, and have a bit of a 1900’s throwback vibe in some places that made them especially charming. Kids will love searching the pictures for all the hearts throughout the book and hidden away in each picture in fun ways.
If you’re looking for a fun read on Valentine’s Day, this is a book that would be a great library checkout, but perhaps not one to purchase.