Who is Sam?
Samuel Valentino is the author and illustrator of The Silver Rings and the upcoming Early Readers’ Fairy Tale Collection. Valentino has been writing and illustrating for as long as he can remember. His illustration credits range from short stories to educational materials. Valentino’s work includes books such as The World of Kind Arthur by Dr. Christopher Snyder and the award-winning title The Last Akaway by Gary Karton.
Though he has worked in nearly all media, book illustration remains one of his most enjoyable art endeavors. For almost 10 years, Valentino has been creating his own unique books as personalized gifts for each of his children. These books inspired him to create the full-length children’s fairy tale The Silver Rings. His interest in fairy tales and folklore was kindled when he read Jack Zipes’ translation of the complete Brothers Grimm’s fairy tales in college. He has been researching and enjoying folklore from all cultures ever since.
Valentino has a BA in history from West Virginia University, where he worked as the first staff illustrator for the college newspaper, The Daily Athenaeum. He also holds a BFA in communication design from Atlanta College of Art. While in school, Valentino worked as a graphic designer and illustrator gaining real-world experience.
Valentino has always had a love for learning and is happy to be creating books for young readers. He lives in the Greater Boston Area with his wife and their three children.