Valentine's Day Is…

Author and illustrator Gail Gibbons's 2006 watercolor picture book is adapted in this iconographic-animated short narrated by Qarie Marshall. Covering many facets of the titular holiday, Valentine's Day Is… looks at the holiday's origins in ancient Roman spring festival celebrations and the legend of Saint Valentine's message to the formerly-blind daughter of his jailer, as well as the poems penned by the imprisoned Duke of Orleans (considered the oldest-known valentine). The historical background is presented at an age-appropriate level, while the bulk of the program is basic, touching on topics including hearts as a symbol of the day, Cupid, and an at-length discussion of the varieties of cards, flowers, candy, and parties, as well as the overall theme of Valentine's Day being a time of giving, friendship, and saying “I love you.” Also featuring a read-along option and a bonus segment on “How to Make a Valentine,” this is recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)