Ned Bustard is a graphic designer, children's book illustrator, author, and printmaker. As the creative director for Square Halo Books Inc. and curator of the Square Halo Gallery, Ned has lectured at colleges, schools, churches, and conferences. His work is found in numerous titles, including Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver, Saint Patrick the Forgiver, The O in Hope, and Every Moment Holy.

"Ned Bustard's striking woodcuts continue to tell tales of familiar saints. He seamlessly mixes church tradition with historical fact, filling the spaces between with rich color."--Jessica Whipple, children's author of Enough Is . . . and I Think I Think a Lot

"Weaving whimsy with history, this book invites kids (and their grownups) to live into rhythms of love as we follow the way of Jesus. From his catchy poems to his thoughtful illustrations, it's clear that Ned Bustard creates with deep care and intention as he points families to the love God has for us--and to the love we are called to share with our neighbor."--Kayla Craig, author of Every Season Sacred and To Light Their Way

"Families will delight in the rollicking verse and charming, vibrant illustrations that fill the pages of this book. Ned Bustard's story illuminates the life of a courageous and committed man who loved so truly and widely that we still celebrate a holiday named for him that is dedicated to love. Without condemning our culture's fixation on eros (romantic love), Ned Bustard's story about Saint Valentine provides space for children to consider three other types of love as well--storges (familial), phileo (friendship), and agape (divine). Bottom line: I loved this book, and you will too."--Mitali Perkins, author of You Bring the Distant Near and Rickshaw Girl

"This rendering of the story of Saint Valentine is so rich and delightful that it will be a classic of children's literature for years, even centuries from now."--Karen Swallow Prior, author of On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life in Great Books

"Ned Bustard's deft artistic touch brings Saint Valentine's story to life with careful but playful storytelling. The illustrations are rich and worth returning to again and again. Saint Valentine the Kindhearted will be a gift to reread every February--with or without children!"--Randall Goodgame, president of Slugs & Bugs and author of Jesus and the Very Big Surprise

"Ned Bustard's retelling of Saint Valentine's story not only delights the eye and ear in the most whimsically and theologically satisfying fashion, but it also introduces children to the true Valentine and thus also to the true nature of Christlike love. What a gift to so many families!"--W. David O. Taylor, associate professor of theology and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary and author of Prayers for the Pilgrimage

"Each spread includes rhyming prose on one side coupled with a brilliant print by Bustard on the other. His prints are a unique joy that convey the meaning of the accompanying prose in a fun, unusual way."--School Library Journal, February 2024

"The simple, colorful illustrations add warmth to Saint Valentine's story in this picture book retelling that emphasizes the Christian origin of the contemporary holiday. Saint Valentine the Kindhearted is a choice pick for church and family Christian picture book collections. Highly recommended."--Midwest Book Review, March 2024

Publisher: IVP Kids

Pub date: 2024-01-16

Length: 32 pages