BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: The Ballad of Valentine by Alison Jackson

TITLE: The Ballad of Valentine

AUTHOR: Alison Jackson

ILLUSTRATOR: Tricia Tusa

PUBLISHER: Dutton’s Chjildren’s Books, 2002

SYNOPSIS:

Oh my darling, oh my darling,

Oh my darling Valentine.

I have written forty letters,

But you’ve never read a line.

In a faraway canyon, Valentine goes about her business, tidying her cabin, running errands, and baking pies. Little does she know that someone very special thinks about her every day. Her bashful admirer wants to ask her an important question. but try as he might, none of his notes, letters, and heartfelt messages ever end up in the right place!

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : Before I even mention what I thought of this story, I have to give a hearty shout out to illustrator, Tricia Tusa, for such a clever, whimsical rendition of one true love’s quest to ask his sweetheart one very important question. Author, Alison Jackson, took a tried-and-true classic ballad and turned it on its head. Young readers are taken on a wild ride as this lovelorn Romeo uses a homing pigeon, smoke signals, and even a rider on a pony to try and deliver his love letter to his Valentine! A clever holiday addition to any library!

RATING: ****4 Stars****

RATING SYSTEM

1 star…probably not worth your time.

2 stars…there are some things to like but some elements could have been stronger.

3 stars…this story w5ill appeal to some readers, but others might find it lacking s omething.

4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.

5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection!

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Fox is set to cook a nice meal until the main ingredient tries to escape! The chase is on as Fox and his friends scurry, hop, and lumber their way to catching those rumbly, tumbly taters. Friendship and teamwork go hand in hand during THE GREAT POTATO RACE!

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

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Donna L

Hybrid award winning author; aspiring sketch artist; and 4th Degree Senior Certified Taekwondo Instructor. Host of BOOK NOOK REVIEWS. Member of SCBWI. Mom to fabulous son and adventurer delving into the tricky world of indie-publishing.

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