Love is in the air! Even in ancient times, February was a month devoted to the celebration of love and romance; however, the legend behind the origins of Valentine's Day remains shrouded in mystery. Who exactly was St. Valentine, you may ask? And, what were the exact circumstances of his life that led to this upcoming holiday?
According to the Catholic Church, there were three different Saint Valentines, and all of them became martyrs. One legend suggests that Valentine was a priest who lived during the third century in Rome under Emperor Claudius II. When the Emperor decreed that the single men in Rome made better soldiers for his army than those who were married, he outlawed marriage. Valentine, realizing the cruelty of this new act, defied the Emperor's wishes and continued to perform marriages in secret. Risking his own life to join young couples in marriage, he gave others the gift of a life together in the name of love.
Another legend states that Valentine was the first person to send a "Valentine" greeting or love letter while in prison. Some believe that he became enamored with his jailer's daughter, who visited his cell. His last love letter concluded with the now popular phrase, "From Your Valentine."
And, whatever legend you choose to believe, one thing is for certain, Valentine's Day is a perfect opportunity to spend time with your little ones and show them your love. So, settle back, and savor something extra sweet this Valentine's Day, with these heartfelt and humorous titles that will surely delight all of the special "Valentines" in your life.
The lovable little kitty ballerina is back, and this time, Mia and her friends Anna and Ruby are celebrating Valentine's Day with a party. Their celebration includes lots of balloons, streamers, cards, and just when it couldn't get any more perfect, Mia comes across a box of scrumptious looking chocolates that she kindly shares with her friends. But, when she soon learns from her father, Mr. Cat, that the chocolates were a present for her mother, Mia tries her hardest to make it up to her mom. Moms and Dads will appreciate how the message of learning how to ask permission before you touch anything is simply portrayed by author Robin Farley in a way that little ones will be able to comprehend, and your children will delight in the sweet illustrations by the husband and wife team of Olga and Aleksey Ivanov as well as the full page of stickers that go along with the storybook.
Written by Robin Farley
Illustrated by Olga and Aleksey Ivanov
ISBN: 978-0061978623
Retails for $6.99
For ages 4 thru 8
Publisher: HarperCollins Children
Website: www.harpercollinschildren.com
On Valentine's Day the members of Ms. Vanilla's class participate in a party, write poems, open cards, and present a heart they all have signed to a special valentine. A Valentine for Ms. Vanilla is one of our "go-to"books this week, as it sweetly depicts children making valentines and writing creative, if unusual, poems. This book helps to make children inspired to get crafty and creative, instead of resorting to store-bought valentines.
Written by Harriet Ziefert
Illustrated by Martha Gradisher
Publisher: Puffin
ISBN: 978-0140368710
Retails for $7.50
Valentine's Day Is
Written and Illustrated by the well-known and beloved children's author Gail Gibbons, Valentine’s Day Is presents the history behind this special holiday in a simple way, and shares with her littlest readers what the day has become to mean in our society today. While it is a day filled with candy hearts, flowers, and chocolate truffles, Gibbons thoughtfully shows how it is also a day to give thanks for our loved ones in our life.
Written and Illustrated by Gail Gibbons
Publisher: Holiday House
ISBN: 978-0823420360
For ages: 5 and up
Retails for $6.95
No sooner does a "Fancy Nancy" book is placed back on the shelves, it is quickly
picked up and signed out by yet another fan of the popular series by the New York Times bestselling duo of author Jane O'Connor and illustrator Robin Preiss Glasser. In this latest installment, after learning all about the science of human heart in class, Nancy Clancy and her best friend Bree are determined to find out the mystery behind what makes the heart fall in love. Soon, the best friends hatch a plan and become little matchmakers for Nancy's guitar teacher and the girls' favorite babysitter. But, sometimes, as Nancy and Bree find out, the heart doesn't always do what they want it to do.
Written by Jane O'Connor
Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
ISBN: 978-0062082954
Retails for $9.99
For ages 6 thru 10
Publisher: HarperCollins Children
Website: www.harpercollinschildren.com
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