Love, Ruby Valentine

Ruby Valentine

by Laurie B. Friedman, Lynne Avril (Illustrator)

After Ruby Valentine misses her favorite holiday of the year, her parrot, Lovebird, convinces her that every day is the perfect day to say "I love you."

Genres: Picture Books, Holiday, Childrens, Fantasy, Storytime, Love, Audiobook

32 pages, Hardcover

Published August 1, 2006

About the author

Laurie Friedman is the author and ghostwriter of over 300 award-winning picture books, easy readers, chapter books, and novels for young readers including the bestselling Mallory McDonald series, the Moose the Dog easy reader series, the Camp Creepy Lake and Wendy & Willow chapter books, and may picture books including Cows in the House and Love, Ruby Valentine.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the cover and thought this would be one of my favorites this Valentine's Day but it somehow fell short of the mark. It's very cute (both illustrations and rhyme) with an excellent moral (be loving every day) but just somehow failed to impress me overmuch. (I think I'm just reading so much that I'm getting overly picky, haha!) Still, I think it is a worthwhile read for Valentine's Day, especially for children who really love making and sending Valentine's :-)

[Kathy Eiferle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saying "I Love You" is fine any time of the year! Love the message, the illustrations and I love Ruby!

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before picking up this picture book, I only knew Laurie Friedman's Mallory series, which I read through in 2010. I actually didn't even realize this was by the same author until I sat down to read it and noticed the author's photo on the book jacket. I should have figured it out, though, because, like the Mallory series, Love, Ruby Valentine is short, simple, and sweet.

Ruby, who lives in a town called Heartland, is a big fan of Valentine's day. She and her bird, aptly named Lovebird, count down the days until Valentine's Day, working very hard on cards for all their friends and neighbors. However, they work so hard on the preparations, when the day comes, they're so tired, they sleep right through it! When she realizes what's happened, Ruby is very discouraged, but Lovebird insists that they spread their love on the 15th instead. After seeing how much the residents of Heartland appreciate her kindness, Ruby realizes that love should be shared as often as possible, and not just once a year.

The very first thing I was reminded of when I was reading this was Strawberry Shortcake. Her thing was a fruit, not a holiday, but the animal friend, the absence of parents, and the cute rhymes were very reminiscent of her nonetheless.

The second thing I noticed once I got further into the story was the rhythm of the rhyming text. I am very skeptical of rhyming books, and often very critical of rhyme schemes and rhythms that feel clunky and don't flow. Though there were some moments where I felt a bit unsure of the rhythm, I think Friedman did a good job here for the most part. The writing is a bit inconsistent, and I could tell, in some places, that words were being used simply because they rhymed, and for no other reason. But there were also plenty of moments where things really worked.

Here's an example:
They slept right through the morning
And on into afternoon.
They slept right past the evening.
They never saw the moon.

I also really loved the illustrations. They suited the gentleness of the story quite well, and portrayed a warm, friendly holiday mood which will definitely appeal to preschool and kindergarten girls looking for a Valentine's Day book. Cravath did a great job taking cues from the story and extrapolating them to a visual medium. There are some great moments in the pictures, where things happen that are not necessarily stated in the text.

I really don't think you could ask for much more in a children's book celebrating a romantic holiday. Thoroughly enjoyable.

[Kerry Cerra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby Valentine loves Valentine’s Day—because it’s a day when she gets to tell the people of her town how much she loves them. Ruby and her pet bird, Lovebird, work tirelessly making cards, heart shaped cookies, curling ribbons, and more. They pile their things on a wagon and place a sign high on top that reads “Love, Ruby Valentine.” After heading upstairs, Ruby picks out the perfect outfit and fixes her hair for the next day, all before falling fast asleep. But, she’s way more tired than she realized and when she wakes to find she’s slept through Valentine’s Day Ruby is devastated! Lovebird urges Ruby to get dressed and pass the Valentine’s out a day late. Ruby is reluctant but finds that the people in town are overjoyed to find out she loves them on any old day of the year.

Written in rhyme, this book is delightful all the while teaching kids that you can overcome disappointment, how to find courage, and--most important to Ruby--that you don’t have to wait till Valentine’s Day to tell someone you love them. The text coupled with crazy-gorgeous watercolor illustrations make Love, Ruby Valentine unputdownable all year long.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has definitely become our favorite book to read in preparations for Valentine's Day this year. My daughter has fallen in love with Ruby and requests us to read it repeatedly all day long! Ruby Valentine and her cute pet, Lovebird, live in Heartland. They can't wait for Valentine's Day to arrive. They start counting down the days until the vey special holiday and stay extremely busy preparing for it. However, when February 14th finally rolls around, they are both so exhausted and end up sleeping the entire day. Ruby is incredibly sad when she wakes up and realizes what happens. Lovebird suggest going into town and celebrating anyways. Ruby learns an important lesson that day. You don't have to wait until Valentine's Day to tell or show someone how much you love and care for them. The rhymes are so good throughout the entire book and the fun illustrations give the reader a lot to look at. My daughter enjoys pointing out every single heart on every single page. We would recommend this book in a heartbeat!!!

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I think that it is perfect for young children. This book was fun, cute and entertaining. The whole message behind the story of how we can show love to others any day not just on valentines day is a great message that children need to understand. This book would be fun to read before a second or third grade class was going to make their valentines boxes. The teacher could even do more valentines or have a valentines party on February 15th to emphasize the meaning of the story. I remember when I was in elementary school everyone bought their valentines from the store and would put them in each classmates valentines box. I think that a teacher could set aside time in class where students can make homemade valentines and send them to people in their family or friends in different class rooms, the principal etc. This way they can learn that valentines day should be celebrated with everyone in their life not just the people in their classroom. Making homemade valentines also helps children to be more creative and it helps them to think more about others.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby Valentine loves Valentine's Day! She prepares for it days ahead and on the night before the big day, she's exhausted. So much so, that she sleeps right through the big day. Disappointed and down, her parrot, Lovebird encourages her to deliver all her cards and packages a day late. Ruby and Lovebird are pleasantly surprised with the reaction from the townsfolk.

Used for "Hearts-A-Beating" storytime-February, 2010.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruby Valentine just can't seem to catch a break on her favorite day of the year. In this rhyming story, she works so hard to get ready for Valentine's Day that she falls asleep exhausted and sleeps the whole day through, missing it entirely! It's a fun story to read aloud and we really liked the moral that "...saying 'I love you!' doesn't have to wait 'til Valentine's - any day will do!" We also loved the glitter design on the cover - a book that just about any girl could love!

[Miley Smiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby loves Valentines Day more than any other holiday! She spends all week preparing and then accidentally misses the big day! Whats a girl to do but wait for next year? Then her Parrot told her that everyday is a good day to tell someone that you love them, you don't have to wait for the holiday! This is a great book to read to students to teach them about caring for one another. It is also a great book to read to continue to build a sense of classroom community.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby Valentine loves Valentine's Day. She makes cards, treats, and is ready to share her love with everyone in Heartland. And then she sleeps through the big day. She decides to share her love anyway and realizes that everyone is glad to receive her message.

While the rhyming and rhythm aren't perfect, the charming illustrations and great message make this a fun choice for Valentine's Day. Recommended for ages 4 - 6.

[Jaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly loved this book. It totally shouted me, as I've done the same thing for Valentine's Day! I love her desire to share the love with others and make goodies for everyone she knows. I also loved the graphics, the fonts and pictures jumped out at me. It was a very pleasant read to get through!

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate the message that the book is trying to send but I am not sure that it succeeded. The story seems to fight with itself. The emphasis on being appreciated for what you give to someone undermines the overall message of being 'loving all year round'.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

a little girl loves valentine's day and spends all week preparing. Her hard work tires her out and she sleeps right through. Can you celebrate love another day? Preschool and up for length and concept. Cute.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is one of my all time favorites for Valentine's Day. I love the rhyming and word choices. When I taught 3rd grade we performed this story like a poem for Grandparents on Valentine's Day. Each student had to memorize a few lines from the story, and it always turned out really cute.

[ZZ · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Uncle Pants gave this to me for Valentine's Day and I think it's pretty great!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is ok in my opinion, cute, sweet, adorable pictures. My DD loves it, and I am sure when we return it tothe library she will be quite sad indeed.

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haley and I loved this one. Very cute!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids have loved this book and have asked me to read it over, and over, and over again. I used it for preschool on February 15th and it was a hit.

[Kaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story, gift from the Crowley kids.
Of course, with a character named Ruby, anything is a hit!

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frank asked me to read this one a lot this week. Not a spectacular children's book, but Frank enjoyed it.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

May try this again around Valentine's Day. Libby was a little young to understand. The moral is good Be loving every day!

[Catrina Edgar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of our favorites. Even though it's a seasonal book, we read it all of the time. It's a great little story and provides opportunities for number/shape recognition.

[Jennybug · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a little girl named Ruby who loves Valentine's Day. She ends up handing out her Valentines a day late, but everyone still likes them. This book is really sweet.

[Edna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby works so hard getting ready for Valentine's Day that she ends up sleeping right through until the day after. Is it too late to deliver her cards and gifts? What will everyone say?

[Ledys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. And so did my daughter. The message is sweet and timely, the illustrations gorgeous, but the rhyme is the best. The way the story reads is absolutely charming!

[Franki Sibberson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun primary read aloud for February.

[Paty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plan to read it every year to my students. Wonderful!

[Erica Deb]

Cute!

[Xiaohui · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's all about LOVE! -Anna Russell

[Victoria Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a good message, i shows how happy service make you and others feel. Rudy discovers everyday is a good day to show friends and family how much you love them.