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The Ballad of Valentine
Oh my darling, oh my darling, oh my darling Valentine. I have written forty letters, but you've never read a line. Set to the tune of the song "Clementine," Alison Jackson tells the sweet tale of Valentine and her beau. Valentine goes about her day, doing chores around her mountain cabin, while her secret admirer is hard at work trying to ask her an important question. He tries many ways to contact her, including Morse code and smoke signals, but he can never complete his message. Will he ever be able to reach his beloved Valentine?
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
January 12, 2017
This is a really cute, simple, rhyming picture book. It follows a story of a man that is trying to send a letter to his love but thugs keep happening and getting in the way. My students enjoyed this book and thought it was super cute.
February 19, 2017
I defy you to not start singing "Darlin' Clementine" as you read this aloud! The words scan perfectly, and the pictures, showing Valentine going about her chores, oblivious to her lover's attempts to woo her, are charming!
February 18, 2015
Really cute Valentine's Day book!! Couldn't help but sing the words (to the tune of "Oh My Darlin' Clementine") as I read it! Very clever!
May 5, 2017
Loved it! You really feel sorry for this poor guy, who keeps trying to get his valentine delivered. Great for a readaloud.
November 21, 2022
Alison Jackson changed the lyrics to "Oh My Darlin' Clementine" in order to create a Valentine rhyme of a man trying to get his Valentine letter delivered to a girl named Valentine. hmmm
October 27, 2022
Aww this was cute - and clever to take the song "Oh, My Darling Clementine" and change it for Valentine's Day.
Ages: 4 - 8
Cleanliness: nothing to note.
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Ages: 4 - 8
Cleanliness: nothing to note.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
February 14, 2025
2018
"Clementine" was a favorite tune when I was young, not only because it's catchy, but because it was my grandmother's name, so it is entertaining to 'sing' this story.
However, it has the flavor of a tall-tale, which is a genre I don't enjoy
"Clementine" was a favorite tune when I was young, not only because it's catchy, but because it was my grandmother's name, so it is entertaining to 'sing' this story.
However, it has the flavor of a tall-tale, which is a genre I don't enjoy
Read
December 9, 2016Music not included - but we figured it out.
August 22, 2023
Sung to the tune of 'Oh my Darlin' Clementine,' This fun book is all about a shy guy who wants to ask Valentine to be his Valentine, but all of his attempts go wrong. How will he let Valentine know that he loves her? This book is super fun, and even if you read it in your head, you can't resist humming along! Follow @bronteandwilder on Instagram for more fun book recommendations!
January 29, 2025
It is hard not to sing it aloud to the tune "Oh My Darling, Clementine." It is a bit old-fashioned and I think many of the kids I read this to will ask what Morse code is or a cyclone. Appropriate for 1st, maybe even second grade.
September 17, 2025
A bashful admirer sends multiple letters and messages to Valentine, who lives in a canyon far away. All of the admire's attempts meet misforture, and just as he's about to give up, he discovers all is not lost.
February 9, 2018
I like this idea for a book and it's reasonably well done, but I'm not sure I could do it for storytime unless I sang the whole thing.
February 12, 2018
I love singing this book to the tune of Clementine. It was great for my music classes. It is also enjoyable with my own children.
August 14, 2019
Very cute. The rhythm and the rhyming are very well done.
February 11, 2020
A man repeatedly tries to send a valentine to the girl across the valley, but something happens to each letter so that is doesn't get delivered. To the tune of "Darling Clementine".
February 12, 2020
Very cute Valentine story with two storylines, one more subtle than the other. 💕
January 13, 2021
I LOVE this book! The clever rhyming words can be read or sung and the pictures tell another whole story, giving you lots to share with children as you look at the book together.
February 8, 2021
Favorite elementary read Valentine’s Day book!
February 10, 2022
What a fun book about a the persistence of a boy trying to tell the girl he likes, that he likes her.
February 26, 2022
Cute.. lots of problem solving.
February 13, 2023
We had fun reading this as a family. It was cute with the illustrations and rhymes.
February 14, 2023
Super fun and perfect for Valentine’s Day. Though the desire to sing it like oh my darling clementine was overwhelming.
February 20, 2024
Lovely children’s book for Valentine Day. My grandkids loved it. The story is excellent with a great message. It is beautifully illustrated.
January 29, 2025
Do sing it! And watch the pictures closely.... I'm glad I accidentally read this right in the season, too.
February 19, 2026
hilarious. The illustrations are fun and unique. The story is funny. not very many words on a page so easier for kids to sit through.
February 1, 2019
Simply the cutest Valentine's book. Written in rhyme with whimsical illustrations.
February 8, 2019
February 7
June 5, 2008
This book is written to be read to the tune of "Clementine." It's is absolutely delightful! The singer has a sweetheart named Valentine and he is desperately trying to get a note of love to her. Yet each attempt is thwarted in an unexpected way. Kids will long singing along. Prek - 2nd grade.
From SLJ:
"Jackson has created a lovesick fellow who, despite his best intentions and for reasons out of his control, just can't seem to do anything right. Valentine is a strong character and readers will feel that her darling will be safe as long as she's with him. Tusa's quirky watercolor illustrations portray a simpler time, when folks communicated by Morse code, an airplane was a modest machine, and a homemade apple pie signified true love and devotion. Without ever being treacly or melodramatic, this fun book is ideal for Valentine's Day programs."
From Kirkus:
"Clever interplay of text and art makes this ballad more than a simple love story.
Just right for Valentine’s Day, this is funny and satisfying without being too sugary."
From SLJ:
"Jackson has created a lovesick fellow who, despite his best intentions and for reasons out of his control, just can't seem to do anything right. Valentine is a strong character and readers will feel that her darling will be safe as long as she's with him. Tusa's quirky watercolor illustrations portray a simpler time, when folks communicated by Morse code, an airplane was a modest machine, and a homemade apple pie signified true love and devotion. Without ever being treacly or melodramatic, this fun book is ideal for Valentine's Day programs."
From Kirkus:
"Clever interplay of text and art makes this ballad more than a simple love story.
Just right for Valentine’s Day, this is funny and satisfying without being too sugary."
January 29, 2010
I'm probably being horribly unfair to this book--after all, it sounded really cute and the illustrations are adorable in a prairie-fun sort of way. But, I found out the song is set to the tune of "My Darlin' Clementine" which is, I am sorry to say, one of the songs that I absolutely cannot stand! I always pretty much despised it, even as a kid. I TRIED not to read this with the song in my head, but it was pretty impossible. Even so, I thought Slugs in Love was more fun and original and along the same theme (messages to one's valentine getting lost before they can receive it--but deep down they like you, too). Still, if you are into this sort of thing, I'll probably be a huge hit (as many other reviewers have conveyed).
February 17, 2014
The Ballad of Valentine
Author: Alison Jackson
Illustrator: Tricia Tusa
Reading Level: ages 5-8
Jackson, A (2006). The Ballad of Valentine UK: Puffin Books
The story is based off the old song "Clementine". It details the struggle of a man who tries to send his love interest a valentines; however, each time he sends one, the message is ruined or lost.
It's an entertaining read. The man perseveres, regardless of the mishaps that befall him. he is utterly devoted and tries-and-tries again--a good lesson for children. Also, this story breaks the usual convention of man-courting-woman by having his love interest pursue him (successfully).
The art style is distinct with a limited, yet ward color pallet. The distinct art style immediately pulls you in on the cover.
Overall, it's a fun book. More than appropriate enough for a valentines day read.
Author: Alison Jackson
Illustrator: Tricia Tusa
Reading Level: ages 5-8
Jackson, A (2006). The Ballad of Valentine UK: Puffin Books
The story is based off the old song "Clementine". It details the struggle of a man who tries to send his love interest a valentines; however, each time he sends one, the message is ruined or lost.
It's an entertaining read. The man perseveres, regardless of the mishaps that befall him. he is utterly devoted and tries-and-tries again--a good lesson for children. Also, this story breaks the usual convention of man-courting-woman by having his love interest pursue him (successfully).
The art style is distinct with a limited, yet ward color pallet. The distinct art style immediately pulls you in on the cover.
Overall, it's a fun book. More than appropriate enough for a valentines day read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews