Sampler of Valentine Readings

Read with someone you love.

Author-illustrator Robert Sabuda’s new “Saint Valentine” (Aladdin Paperbacks, $5.99), a simple primer for ages 4 to 7, is colorfully illustrated in mosaic style. The early Christian, a healer, was arrested for his religious beliefs, but from prison, it is said, he helped a blind girl see.

Some of the more complex concepts, such as why the Romans don’t want the Christians to worship one God, will be opportunities for discussion with curious middle readers.

Younger children will probably appreciate the tale for its mythical quality. A brief epilogue relates the other events and traditions that ultimately led to what we know as Valentine’s Day.

Little Simon’s Chubby Board Book, “My Valentine Counting Book” ($2.99), by Duncan Maxfield and illustrated quite pinkly by Varda Livney, is nice enough for ages 2 to 4, but it’s best when promoting the loving aspects of the day (one sloppy kiss, four giant hugs, 10 cupids sending love) over the caloric (three tasty cupcakes, six sweet chocolates) and the expensive (five fancy gifts, eight red roses).

Chuck Murphy’s similar “How Many Hearts?” ($4.99, for ages 2 to 4), part of Little Simon’s Razzle Dazzle series of board books featuring cutouts of colorful shiny stuff, succeeds with 10 find-the-hearts pictures, of which only two are candy.

Babies and preschoolers can help plan a Valentine’s Day party in the lift-flap “Emily’s Valentine Party” ($6.99), new from Puffin. Busy bunny Emily shops, bakes and decorates to prepare for her friends’ arrival. Claire Masurel provides the text, Susan Calitri the illustrations.

Thacher Hurd’s 1990 “Little Mouse’s Big Valentine” (HarperTrophy, $3.95) is surprisingly substantial for ages 3 to 6. Little Mouse’s heart must be brimming with love, because the valentine he makes is huge.

It’s so big, in fact, that none of the forest animals wants it, but still the mouse keeps trying to give it away. However, this isn’t a sad story; it’s an adventure tale. When Little Mouse finally succeeds, it’s because he uses ingenuity to make the best of the situation.

For fun, young girls may enjoy the new “Abby’s Un-Valentine” (Baby-Sitters Club No. 127), by Ann M. Martin, in which holiday humbug Abby tries everything to ditch a date with Ross, including setting him up with her twin! The book, published by Little Apple, is $4.50.

Speaking of un-valentines, what if you sent a mean one to somebody in class, only it got into the wrong hands--the teacher’s hands! That’s the predicament in Joan M. Lexau’s “Don’t Be My Valentine,” available in paperback ($3.95, HarperCollins).

Any 4- to 8-year-olds who take their sense of humor to the library might enjoy “Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink,” by writer-illustrator Diane De Groat (William Morrow, $9.95). Publisher’s Weekly says, “The winning touch here is De Groat’s characteristically buoyant watercolor art.” Kirkus Reviews calls it “a sympathetic look at the small hurts in life and the importance of second chances.” (It was also reprinted in 1997 in paperback by Mulberry Books, $4.95).

* For more on reading, see Section Gee for reviews written by children about their favorite books and a new story for kids starting every Sunday. E6