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Celebrate Valentine's Day with a Giveaway of VALENTINES FOR ALL by Nancy Churnin

carolbaldwin

 It seems as if we just celebrated New Year’s and now it’s time for Valentine’s Day! To help celebrate, I have the perfect book for your child, grandchild, classroom or library– VALENTINES FOR ALL: Esther Howland Captures America’s Heart by Nancy Churnin and illustrated by Monika Rosa Wisniewska. 


REVIEW

From the opening of the story where Esther Howland gets the idea of creating valentines, to the end where she is a woman in a wheel chair watching a young couple read one of her valentines, each page is decorated with a fictional “Rose are Red, Violets are Blue” rhyme. How can you not love a book that is historical, sweet, and poetic all at the same time?

                          Roses are red. Violets are blue.  

I’ve got an idea for something new.

Despite Esther’s brothers’ skepticism that her business wouldn’t take off–it did! She believed that people couldn’t always express big feelings in words and that cards would help them communicate how they loved another person.

When her first order was for five thousand cards she enlisted her friends to help make them.


Roses are red. Dahlias are lime. How can I make so many in time?

When the Civil War began in 1861she was surprised how many wives asked for cards for their soldier husbands.



Roses are red. Pussy willows are gray.
When people are hurting I know what to say.

Eventually, Esther realized that she could create birthday and holiday cards that would help people convey their feelings throughout the year.

Roses are red. Night tulips are black. Looking for words? They’re in my card rack.

Esther had to use a wheelchair after she slipped, fell, and injured her knee.  That didn’t stop her card-making business though. She printed a poetry book so that her customers could cut and paste words and create their own cards. 

Esther is a great model of perseverance to make your dream come true. As Nancy Churnin’s last poem states:

Roses are red. Forget-me-nots, blue. Why don’t you make your dreams come true?

BACK MATTER

The Author’s Note includes wonderful information about how Esther was a successful woman entrepreneur many years before women earned the right to vote. At the height of her business, she earned more than $100,000 per year–which is the equivalent of two million dollars today.

There is a page dedicated to creating your own valentines and how to send them to Nancy’s website or to the Worcester Historical Museum in Worcester, MA where Esther lived.

CURRICULUM RESOURCE

This book can be used as a resource when teaching American history, women’s changing roles, writing, and art. Since the author frequently mentions Esther Howland’s desire to strengthen relationships, VALENTINES FOR ALL can also be a SEL resource. The illustrations inspire readers to create their own valentines.

GIVEAWAY

Albert Whitman is giving away a copy of VALENTINES FOR ALL to one fortunate reader. To get this in the mail ASAP, this giveaway ends February 3. As usual, if you share on social media, sign up for my blog, or are an educator or librarian, you will get an extra chance. Let me know in the comments and make sure to leave your email address if you are new to my blog. U.S. addresses only.



Published by carolbaldwin

Carol enjoys teaching writing and has presented at many educators' and writing conferences. She has published widely in newspapers and magazines and along with Rebecca Wheeler, co-publishes Talking Story, a newsletter for educators and media specialists. When she isn’t reading, writing, or blogging, you’ll find her walking with friends, golfing, or gardening.

80 thoughts on “Celebrate Valentine's Day with a Giveaway of VALENTINES FOR ALL by Nancy Churnin”

  2. I've read about this book before and I'm inspired by how this woman was able to build her business that served so many in a time when women were second class citizens and often dismissed in politics and business. I can't wait to read about her. I shared this post on tumblr.

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  9. I love stories that share the genesis of a well-known holiday. The author did an amazing amount of research, and having the link to Nancy's website where readers/creators can share their valentines is an extra bonus. Thank you for bringing this book to our attention!

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  15. Thank you, Carol, for this wonderful post and to all of your readers for their kind words! You will also find a free teacher's guide on my website here: https://www.nancychurnin.com/valentines-for-all I hope you'll be inspired to participate in and encourage others to try the BE A VALENTINE project, too — giving valentines to people who might not otherwise get one, seniors, our military, new immigrants, patients, anyone who would enjoy knowing they are loved! I am happy to post pictures of any valentines you give out on my BE A VALENTINE page. Seeing your valentines will inspire others to help kindness spread!

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  16. This sounds absolutely wonderful! We LOVE Valentine’s Day, and have participated in a Homeschool Valentine Exchange for several years now! So this book would definitely have a special place in our library, and in our hearts! Also, new follower of the blog here (shopgirl1173@gmail.com) . . . Thank you for the opportunity to win this lovely book! ♥️♥️♥️

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  24. Finally received this book from the library and it is fantastic! Love Nancy Churnin’s books – she does such a beautiful job chronicling Esther Howlands creativity and persistence. Thanks so much for sharing your post on NFFest FB page! I’m new to your blog – looking forward to future posts!

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  29. Shannon Nicole Dunn, I homeschool my daughter as well. 3rd grade level this year. I think it's such a cool thing that you participate in a Homeschool Valentine Exchange! I will have to see if there is anything like this in my area! And Nancy Churnin, it's so cool to see you jumped in on this comment thread! My household loves reading The William Hoy Story: How a Deaf Baseball Player Changed the Game, and we look forward to checking out your Valentine book featured in this blog/giveaway! Thanks for this awesome blog post to read and follow Carol Baldwin!

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  30. Thank you, Heather, for commenting on these comments! You may be the first commenter who took the time to do it. I appreciate that and hope you find other great books to share with your family. Carol

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