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Robert Sabuda
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Saint Valentine Paperback – Picture Book, January 1, 1999

by Robert Sabuda (Author, Illustrator)
4.6 out of 5 stars 217 ratings
How did Valentine's Day, one of our most popular holidays, begin?
It started in ancient Rome when a kind physician named Valentine took an interest in a young blind girl. With his healing skill and his deep faith he restored her sight. What we now call Valentine's Day began when he sent the little girl a secret message, which she received after the Christian martyr was executed. For this tale rich in sentiment, master illustrator Robert Sabuda has created exquisite paper mosaics to suggest early Christian art that resonates with both subtlety and power.
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  1. Reading age
    3 - 8 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    32 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Preschool - 2
  5. Dimensions
    8.38 x 0.2 x 10.25 inches
  6. Publisher
    Aladdin
  7. Publication date
    January 1, 1999
  8. ISBN-10
    0689824297
  9. ISBN-13
    978-0689824296
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The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"Stunning mosaics of marbleized and hand-painted paper depict this legend of Valentine," said PW in a starred review. Ages 4-7.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Robert Sabuda is one of the most innovative and inventive children's book creators and is known worldwide for his amazing pop-up paper engineering. His books include Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Twelve Days of Christmas, The Night Before Christmas, The Winter's Tale, Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast, to name but afew, have garnered numerous awards and have made the New York Times bestseller lists on many occasions. He lives in New York City.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Aladdin; Reprint edition (January 1, 1999)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0689824297
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0689824296
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 3 - 8 years, from customers
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 2
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.38 x 0.2 x 10.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 217 ratings

About the author

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Robert Sabuda

Robert Sabuda

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ROBERT SABUDA is the co-creator of the first book in this series, ENCYCLOPEDIA PREHISTORICA: DINOSAURS. And he is the force behind many stunning best-selling pop-up books, including America the Beautiful, Alice in Wonderland, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and Winter's Tale: An Original Pop-up Journey. MATTHEW REINHART is the co-creator of ENCYCLOPEDIA PREHISTORICA: DINOSAURS. And he has created many other award-winning pop-up books, including the Young Naturalist's series, The Ark, Animal Opposites, and Cinderella: A Pop-Up Fairy Tale.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
217 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book interesting and well-written, with beautiful illustrations that feature tile mosaic pictures. They appreciate its educational value, with one customer noting it's a great read-aloud story for 1-3 graders, and another mentioning it helps children learn about Valentine's Day history. The book receives positive feedback for its religious message and character development, with one review highlighting how it captures Valentinus' humility.

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29 customers mention "Story quality"29 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and well-written, noting it's a good reference material. One customer particularly appreciates the narrative about the saint's tradition.

"...miracles attributed to the third century martyr Valentinus is told with a simplicity that captures Valentinus' humility and compassion in his..." Read more

"Wonderful book. Rich artwork and wonderful story explaining who the real Saint Valentine was in a creative way without distorting the truth...." Read more

"...Thanks to Amazon for having this special book and the retold and illustrated by Robert Sabuda...." Read more

"...When I read this with my 4&5 graders, they thought the story was merely okay...." Read more

16 customers mention "Visual quality"16 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the visual elements of the book, noting its beautiful illustrations and colorful tile mosaic pictures.

"Wonderful book. Rich artwork and wonderful story explaining who the real Saint Valentine was in a creative way without distorting the truth...." Read more

"...The tile mosaic pictures are interesting and colorful. Due to its length, the book can be read in its entirety very quickly. '..." Read more

"...The mosaic illustrations are beautiful reminders of the ancient Rome in which Valentine lived." Read more

"...The illustrations are beautiful!..." Read more

13 customers mention "Literacy level"13 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's literacy level, with one mentioning it's a great read-aloud story for 1-3 graders, while another notes it helps children learn the history behind Valentine's Day.

"...Said in a way that is appropriate for children. Bravo!" Read more

"...I think this is a great read-aloud story for 1-3 graders; the vocabulary is too difficult for them to read on their own...." Read more

"Wonderful book to introduce children to the roots of St. Valentine's Day. Perhaps qualifies as historical fiction, but well based on facts known...." Read more

"...was, the milieu in which he lived, and how the tradition of exchanging valentines began...." Read more

8 customers mention "Writing quality"6 positive2 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, with one noting how it reflects the author's creativity and another highlighting how it retells the story in a creative way without distorting the truth.

"...explaining who the real Saint Valentine was in a creative way without distorting the truth. Said in a way that is appropriate for children. Bravo!" Read more

"...Thanks to Amazon for having this special book and the retold and illustrated by Robert Sabuda...." Read more

"...The illustrations are hard to look at because they are supposed to look like mosaic but they are not pretty." Read more

"This book is written extremely well. The writing is poetic, lyrical, and simple. It something I could read to the kids 100 times...." Read more

7 customers mention "Religious content"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the religious content of the book, particularly its good message, and one customer mentions it helps clear up confusion about St. Valentine.

"...Also good if you're Catholic or Protestant...no mention of canonization in the story itself, so it's up to the parents to go in depth on that issue...." Read more

"This book is by no means religious. I was disappointed that there was only one line mentioning that Saint Valentine was a priest...." Read more

"...I find it interesting that this is a book about a Catholic saint meanwhile the author flaunts his gay lifestyle on the inside cover...." Read more

"...However I loved it and the focus on non cupid Valentine. The pictures are lovely." Read more

4 customers mention "Character development"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one review noting how it provides an overview of St Valentine's life and captures his humility.

"...century martyr Valentinus is told with a simplicity that captures Valentinus' humility and compassion in his relationship with a blind girl...." Read more

"...very well, with the right amount of movement and how the characters are presented...." Read more

"I like that this book gives an overview of who St Valentine was, the milieu in which he lived, and how the tradition of exchanging valentines began...." Read more

"...And what a lovely story that captures a deeper and more real meaning of the man and the day we celebrate him...." Read more

4 customers mention "Holiday appeal"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book appealing as a holiday read, with one mentioning it provides a good explanation of the holiday, and another noting that everyone loved their gift.

"Everyone loved their gift, commented what a lovely story they did not know about...." Read more

"...I am so glad a quality religious topic comes in a fun and kid friendly package." Read more

"Gave to my son for Valentine's Day! It is a great holiday but know he knows why he is celebrating!..." Read more

"good explanation of holiday..." Read more

Perfectly retold for children
5 out of 5 stars
Perfectly retold for children
This is the perfect book to read your child. In it you read a story about Saint Valentine. It explains how he was a physician that lived in ancient Rome about two hundred years after Christ. That he was a very kind and giving man. He was a physician and a Christian priest at a time when they were persecuted. His faith and dedication is told as he treats his patients during the day and prays for them all night. The incident the author tells of Saint Valentine ministering to the small blind child is what is purported in this book to be the beginning of the giving of flowers on his feast day. This is a wonderfully told story.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Patristics Guy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Readable and beautifully illustrated
    Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    While many saints lives are fantastic to the point of being unbelievable, this modern narration of one of the healing miracles attributed to the third century martyr Valentinus is told with a simplicity that captures Valentinus' humility and compassion in his relationship with a blind girl. The illustrations gives the reader the feel of 3rd century Rome because they are done as mosaics. My children enjoyed the book from about age 6.
    One person found this helpful
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  • appleofGod'sEye
    5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding artwork and story
    Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Wonderful book. Rich artwork and wonderful story explaining who the real Saint Valentine was in a creative way without distorting the truth. Said in a way that is appropriate for children. Bravo!
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Shirlj
    5.0 out of 5 stars Bought this book to give as Valentine day gift for friends......
    Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Everyone loved their gift, commented what a lovely story they did not know about. Thanks to Amazon for having this special book and the retold and illustrated by Robert Sabuda. I collect his pop up books and this too reflects his creativity. Highly recommend. My gift went to friends from high school in their 80s now so 13+ should be 80+ Shirlj
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Alivia
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great Story
    Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Reading Level: 5.4

    *SPOILER ALERT*

    Valentine is a doctor who works for whatever his patient can afford which sometimes is nothing at all. However, he hides a dark secret: instead of following the Pope, he is a Priest of the Christian faith. One day, a jailer brings his blind daughter to him for assistance. Valentine refuses payment as he cannot guarantee that his treatment will work. His faith ultimately leads to his death when the Emperor orders that Christians be executed. The jailer comes to visit and says there is nothing he can do to help. He sends a letter home with him to his daughter that simply reads "from your Valentine" along with a Crocus. The child can see the flower for the first time and realizes she is cured. A historical note at the end of the story details the reason behind Valentine's death, his rise to Sainthood, and how the holiday came to be.

    My Opinion

    I am always leery of religious materials in the classroom but the religious aspect was more of a side note relating to the reason for his death rather than an emphasize of the book. The tile mosaic pictures are interesting and colorful. Due to its length, the book can be read in its entirety very quickly. 'I like lots of details and would have liked to see more in the story. I think this is a great read-aloud story for 1-3 graders; the vocabulary is too difficult for them to read on their own. When I read this with my 4&5 graders, they thought the story was merely okay. We used cut-up paint chips (free from Home Depot, etc) to create mosaic valentine pictures that came out cute as an extension to the story.
    24 people found this helpful
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  • Hannah
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Children's Book You'll Actually Want to Read
    Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    This book is written extremely well. The writing is poetic, lyrical, and simple. It something I could read to the kids 100 times.
    The pictures are in 'mosaic' style. In composition, they are very emotional and tell the story very well, with the right amount of movement and how the characters are presented. The mosaic style was at first not my favorite (I like more photographic like realism) but they began to grow on me, they are very well done, and give you the feeling that you are looking at a story that happened a long time ago, glimpsing at it as if through mists of time, putting the pieces together, seeing the whole.

    It's a book that gets better and better every time you read it.

    I'll admit, I cry when reading it to the kids. Extremely well done.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • J&R's Mama
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book
    Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Wonderful book to introduce children to the roots of St. Valentine's Day. Perhaps qualifies as historical fiction, but well based on facts known. We have used the book to remind the children that Christians originally spent St. Valentine's Day in prayer for martyrs - not for sending love notes and chocolates. They also enjoy looking for glimpses of modern day Valentine traditions: notes, flowers, kindness. The mosaic illustrations are beautiful reminders of the ancient Rome in which Valentine lived.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Virginia Roberts
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely Book
    Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    We used this book in our homeschool as part of Valentine's Day study. The illustrations are beautiful! The story is age appropriate for 2nd grade and under (Valentine's execution is simply alluded to, it's up to the parent how detailed to get into that). Also good if you're Catholic or Protestant...no mention of canonization in the story itself, so it's up to the parents to go in depth on that issue. Nicely done for a broad audience.
    14 people found this helpful
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  • TK44
    3.0 out of 5 stars Not religious
    Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This book is by no means religious. I was disappointed that there was only one line mentioning that Saint Valentine was a priest. The story also ended very abruptly. I realize it was written for children and is unpleasant that this holy man was killed, but he is a martyr. We teach children from a young age that Christ was put to death, so it makes sense that many of His followers were also. Especially now, with Christians all over the world being persecuted and executed for their faith, mentioning his martyrism would be appropriate. I bought for my 6 yr old Goddaughter, still waiting to hear if she enjoyed the book.
    66 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Shannon Wrafter
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully illustrated
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 10, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This is a beautiful book that I enjoyed reading to my children. Had to go out to buy a crocus after! Just a note to parents of children who are sensitive that this is the story of the persecution and execution of St Valentine as well as the story of the blind girl who he cured, if you’re not ready for that this one needs skipping.
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  • Patricia Malek
    1.0 out of 5 stars One Star
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 15, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Dissappointed
    One person found this helpful
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  • Jannah
    2.0 out of 5 stars Illustrations are kind of bland
    Reviewed in Canada on March 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I thought this was going to be a beautiful book but the artwork seemed really dim and uninteresting. The mosaic idea would have been nice with vibrant colours and good layouts. But this book fell quite short of that. My kids were barely interested in the pictures.
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