Valentine’s Day is a day of love and affection, and it’s a great time to share a special book with the kids in your life. Whether you’re a parent or teacher, there are plenty of books that will get your little ones excited about the holiday. From sweet stories about finding friendship to funny books telling silly love stories or even interactive activities to do together, here are some of the best Valentine’s Day books for kids to read to make the holiday more memorable.
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For younger children, books like “Lots of Love Little One” by Sandra Magsamen and “Happy Valentine’s Day, Mouse!” by Laura Numeroff are great reads. These books feature cute characters and are sure to bring a smile to your child’s face.
“Lots of Love Little One” is a precious children’s book that celebrates the magical bond between a parent and child. Through warm expressions of affection, Sandra Magsamen captures the beautiful essence of love and takes readers on a delightful journey of celebrating the special bond they share with their loved ones. Each page of the book features a different sentiment or expression of love, accompanied by adorable animals and whimsical illustrations. Primarily targeted towards toddlers and young children, “Lots of Love Little One” serves as a valuable tool for parents, caregivers, and educators to teach concepts of love, emotional expression, and family bonds. The book’s interactive nature can also help children develop early literacy skills, such as word recognition and vocabulary building.
This marvelous children’s book by Kathryn Madeline Allen is a must-read for all young readers! Through its delightful words and expressive illustrations, it subtly conveys the importance of building strong and loving relationships with family and friends. It emphasizes the significance of non-verbal communication, showing that “actions speak louder than words.” Perfect for bedtime stories or special moments of bonding, this book is sure to spark conversations between parents and children about love and affection. So, if you’re looking for a beautiful story to share with the little ones in your life, this book is the perfect choice!
From the moment it was first published in 2005, Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak and Caroline Jayne Church’s beloved children’s book, “I Love You Through and Through”, has become a cherished bedtime read and a popular gift for young children. With its simple, repetitive text and vibrant illustrations, the story celebrates the unconditional love between a parent and child. The book follows a young boy through his daily routine, as his parent lovingly reassures him that he is loved “through and through, up and down, inside and out”. Through playful scenes of the child playing, eating, and getting messy, the story emphasizes that a parent’s love is not dependent on external factors, but rather on the deep bond between a parent and child, and it promotes self-confidence and a positive self-image. It serves as a reminder to both children and parents that love is constant and unwavering, no matter what.
In “Homemade Love”, Bell Hooks’ vibrant and bold illustrations captivate readers and listeners from the start. The story follows a young girl’s journey as she discovers the power of her parents’ unconditional love, no matter how many mistakes she makes. The girl’s dress changes with her mood, and the soothing and energetic messages poetically infuse the narrative with a sense of comfort and understanding. By the end, readers are left with a powerful reminder that forgiveness, overcoming fear, and unconditional love are the cornerstones of a strong parent-child relationship.
Barbara M. Joosse and Barbara Lavallee’s beloved classic children’s book is a touching reminder of the power of unconditional love. Through the story of a young Inuit girl questioning her mother’s love, Joosse and Lavallee explore universal themes in a captivating and culturally rich narrative. As the young girl poses hypothetical questions, such as whether her mother would still love her if she did mischievous or naughty things, her mother’s responses demonstrate the depth and permanence of her love. This timeless tale of love and understanding is sure to delight both children and adults.
“Full, Full, Full of Love” by Trish Cooke is an ode to the joys of family and food. Every Sunday, young Jay Jay eagerly visits his Grandma’s house, where he is welcomed by the mouth-watering smells of the family’s Sunday dinner. Together with his loving family, he helps to prepare the feast, setting the table with Grandma, washing and drying dishes with his sister La La, and gathering around the table with Grandpa, Uncle Titi, and baby brother Kay Kay. Despite the limited space, the family radiates love and joy. They share stories, laughter, and, most importantly, their love for each other. Through the story, Cooke emphasizes the importance of family, cultural traditions, and the sense of belonging, creating a vivid picture of a warm, nurturing, and supportive family environment.
Written by Steve Wilson and illustrated by Lucy Tapper, this delightful story follows the adventures of two best friends, Horace and Hattie, as they try to hug each other despite their prickly spines. As Horace and Hattie embark on a series of humorous and imaginative attempts to hug each other, readers will giggle along the way. From trying to wear hollow logs to rolling around in the snow, their creative efforts to hug are both endearing and comical. Finally, the two hedgehogs come up with the perfect solution: they discover a basket full of soft socks, where they can snuggle up and hug without getting poked by their spikes. This heartwarming moment emphasizes the power of love and finding creative ways to express it, even in the face of challenges. The story also showcases the strength and importance of friendship, perseverance, and creative thinking. Hedgehugs encourages children to explore their own creativity and find unique solutions to problems they encounter. With its beautiful illustrations and meaningful message, Hedgehugs is a must-have addition to any child’s bookshelf.
“I Love You All Day Long” by Priscilla Burris is a comforting and endearing tale about a young piglet named Owen who is embarking on his first day of school. With feelings of excitement and worry, Owen wonders if his mother’s love will remain the same when they are apart. Through the day, Owen’s teacher and classmates provide a nurturing environment that helps him adjust to his new routine. As the story unfolds, Owen discovers that his mother’s love remains constant, no matter the distance or time spent apart. The narrative is complemented by vibrant illustrations, which capture the characters’ emotions and the story’s heartwarming moments. By addressing the theme of separation anxiety, “I Love You All Day Long” offers reassurance that the bond between a parent and child is unbreakable. It encourages children to embrace new experiences and face their fears with courage, reminding them that a mother’s love is eternal.
In Deborah Underwood’s delightful book, “Here Comes Valentine Cat,” Cat isn’t a fan of the sappy holiday. His pesky neighbor Dog seems to have no respect for the fence dividing their yards, often throwing bones over it. But when Dog throws a ball over the fence one day, it leads Cat to question what game Dog is playing. This heartwarming story follows Cat and Dog as they explore themes of friendship, forgiveness, and the potential for change. With charming illustrations and funny characters, “Here Comes Valentine Cat” is a perfect addition to any children’s book collection. It offers a valuable lesson in compassion and friendship, reminding readers that even those we may initially dislike can surprise us with acts of kindness.
Nancy, the ever-so-stylish and imaginative protagonist, is over the moon when she discovers a mysterious valentine waiting for her. Determined to uncover the identity of her secret admirer, Nancy embarks on a dazzling journey of discovery. With her signature style and flair, Nancy uses her creativity to piece together the clues and follow a trail of hints. Readers are captivated by her enthusiasm and determination as they are immersed in Nancy’s world of sparkle and glamour. “Fancy Nancy Heart to Heart” celebrates Nancy’s distinct style with its vibrant illustrations and captivating storytelling. But this 8×8 paperback also comes with a sheet of beautiful stickers, allowing readers to create their own fancy designs and further enhance their reading experience. With its combination of mystery, fashion, and stickers, this book makes the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for Fancy Nancy fans of all ages.
In this heartwarming tale, the Hug Machine sets out on a mission to spread love and positivity to everyone and everything he encounters. From trees and animals to machines and beyond, the Hug Machine wraps his arms around each and every being with enthusiasm and an open heart. He never discriminates and is the embodiment of unconditional love, offering his comforting embrace to all, regardless of size, shape, or texture. As the Hug Machine’s journey progresses, readers are reminded of the power of a simple hug and the importance of expressing love and affection to those around us. He teaches children that everyone deserves love and acceptance, no matter how different they may be. Through his unwavering dedication to spreading joy and happiness, the Hug Machine serves as a gentle reminder that a hug can make a world of difference, brightening someone’s day and filling their heart with warmth. This uplifting story encourages children to become more compassionate and considerate individuals, helping to create a more kindhearted and uplifting community.
In Marc Brown’s delightful book, “Arthur’s Valentine”, readers join the lovable aardvark, Arthur, on an exciting mission to uncover the identity of his secret admirer before Valentine’s Day ends. With its playful touch of romance and friendship, this heartwarming tale captivates the audience and keeps them guessing until the very end. Arthur is filled with anticipation as he receives love notes and small gifts, but he has no idea who is behind them. He suspects a few different people, including his classmate Fern, his friend Sue Ellen, and even his mischievous pal Buster. With the clock ticking, Arthur embarks on a journey to solve the mystery. He searches for clues, follows leads, and consults his friends for advice, all the while keeping the readers in suspense. This engaging story celebrates the joys of friendship, the wonders of love, and the beauty of self-discovery. It is a perfect read for children and adults alike, leaving them feeling warm-hearted and content.
On Valentine’s Day, Franklin eagerly anticipated the joy he would bring to his friends with the handmade valentine cards he had created with so much love. But when he arrived at school, Franklin’s heart sank as he discovered that his cards had mysteriously vanished. Feeling invisible and alone, Franklin had no idea that his friends were conspiring a surprise that would turn his day around. In “Franklin’s Valentines”, Paulette Bourgeois weaves an inspiring tale of friendship, kindness, and the power of small gestures. Through this heartwarming story, young readers will learn about empathy, thoughtfulness, and inclusion. They will be encouraged to spread love and compassion in their own lives, and understand the impact they can have on others by demonstrating kindness and going out of their way to help someone in need.
Bringing the classic Little Bear series to life, A Kiss for Little Bear is a delightful story that will warm the hearts of readers both young and old. Follow Little Bear and his friends on their creative journey as they search for a way to receive a kiss from Little Bear’s grandparents. With the help of Maurice Sendak’s enchanting illustrations, readers will be captivated by Little Bear’s heartwarming realization that the kiss is simply a representation of his grandparent’s love. A Kiss for Little Bear is a beautiful story that will leave readers feeling happy and loved.
“Love You Forever” by Robert Munsch and illustrated by Sheila McGraw is a timeless story that has touched the hearts of readers of all ages since it was first published in 1986. It is a beautiful tribute to the unconditional love between a parent and a child, following the journey of a mother and her son from his birth to adulthood. Throughout the story, the mother sings a special lullaby to her son: “I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, as long as I’m living my baby you’ll be.” As the boy grows up and moves away, the mother still visits him at night, singing the same lullaby. When the mother grows old and frail, the roles are reversed and the son visits her every night, singing the lullaby. The main theme of “Love You Forever” is the power of love that exists within families and the bond that lasts a lifetime. The book is filled with beautiful illustrations and a heartfelt message that resonates with readers of all ages. It is a must-read for anyone seeking a touching story that celebrates the strength of a parent’s love.
Older children will love books like “Froggy’s First Kiss” by Jonathan London and “The Valentine Bears” by Eve Bunting. These books offer an opportunity to explore the emotions associated with Valentine’s Day and the importance of sharing love with family and friends.
