Valentine's Day Books to Love Booklist
Our favorite picture books to read on Valentine's Day!
Delight in the warmth of love with your little ones on Valentine's Day—or any day—with these heartwarming stories. We've curated a selection that promises to infuse your moments with joy and affection, creating cherished memories with each turn of the page. Happy reading!
Our curated lists are ever-evolving, pulsating with life. Be sure to revisit next year for fresh additions as we persistently read and refine, ensuring a continuous source of captivating recommendations just for you!
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What is Given from the Heart by Patricia C. McKissack and April Harrison- This tender story (no surprise—I cried) follows a mother and son who have lost both their father and their worldly possessions, finding themselves poorer by the day. When their congregation builds a “love box” for a mother and daughter who have lost everything in a house fire, they are determined to find something to give—because “what is given from the heart reaches the heart.”
Dear Bunny: A Bunny Love Story by Michaela Morgan and Caroline Jayne Church- This book completely snuck up on me! It’s an epistolary tale in which words are lost—and beautifully restored—in a way that’s both sweet and surprising.
The House of Love by Adriana Trigiani and Amy June Bates- In this verbose and lovingly told picture book, a young girl and her mother create Valentine magic for their large family—but as the house fills with decorations and delight, Mia quietly wonders if she will be remembered.
Here Comes Valentine Cat by Deborah Underwood and Claudia Rueda- In this light-on-words, big-on-expression, delightfully pantomimed book, we meet Cat, who has a new neighbor—Dog—whom he immediately finds to be a nuisance. Cat even has a few perfectly jabby Valentine’s poems in mind to send.
But what if Dog’s actions aren’t quite what Cat thinks they are? What if they’ve been misunderstood? And the real question: is Cat willing to change his mind when new information comes to light?
A String of Hearts by Laura Malone Elliott and Lynn Munsinger- I think this book offers a lovely early model of what real friendship is built on—the things we admire in one another, not just a pretty face—complete with the charm of an innocent young crush.
The Mystery of the Love List by Sarah Glenn March and Ishaa Lobo- Even a Valentine’s Day book list needs a good mystery! Pippa, a porcupine who loves to read detective stories, suddenly finds herself with a mystery of her own. When a secret classmate leaves her a list of all the things she loves, she sets out to discover which of her classmates shared it.
And maybe, along the way, our prickly friend will discover something even better—a true friend of her own.
One Zillion Valentines by Frank Modell- In a heartwarming tale of inclusivity, two enterprising young friends boldly declare, "Valentines aren't just for girls, they're for everyone!" Watch as they embark on a neighborhood adventure, letter-blasting joy to all and even turning a sweet profit on the side. This charming story is a delightful celebration of friendship, entrepreneurship, and spreading love far and wide.
The Secret Life of Squirrels: A Love Story by Nancy Rose- Witness the joyous escapades of squirrels living their best life in these candid snapshots. Adored by every 4-6 year old we've shared them with, these unposed pictures capture the whimsical world of our furry friends, creating a delightful experience for young imaginations.
Mouse and Mole: Secret Valentine by Wong Herbert Yee- Explore the charming world of early readers with a heartwarming love story. Short, sweet chapters unfold a delightful courtship, perfect for the newly independent reader. Join in the magic of simple, tender moments that capture the essence of a budding romance.
This is NOT a Valentine by Carter Higgins- Enter the comical realm of "one protesteth-ing too much" – a playful choice for boys who might feel a bit squirrely around the holiday. This light-hearted option promises laughs and a unique perspective on navigating the festivities. Perfect for those who prefer a touch of humor to sweeten the Valentine's Day vibe.
Snowy Valentine by David Petersen- Embark on a chuckle-worthy journey through the realm of marital gift-giving. This humorous tale sheds light on the fact that, amid the potential stress, it's the little things that hold the most value. Join in the laughter as the story unfolds, showcasing the importance of simple gestures over extravagant presents in the tapestry of marriage.
The Secret Admirer by Donna Guthrie- In the whimsical world of little kids orchestrating adult scenarios, the outcome can swing between delightful and disastrous. Fortunately, in this verbose picture book, the tale concludes on a high note, proving that all's well that ends well in the endearing chaos of childhood adventures.
The Love Letter: A Valentine’s Book for Kids by Anika Aldamuy Denise- Embark on a heartwarming journey through a misdirected letter, where a simple act of kindness sparks a chain reaction of goodwill. This touching tale reveals that one gesture of kindness often begets another, emphasizing the profound impact of compassion in unexpected places.
The Great Valentine's Day Balloon Race by Adrienne Adams- For those who already love The Easter Egg Artists, this pretty tale gives us a look into another season of this bunny family’s lives.
I Haiku You by Betsy E. Snyder-
Love blooms in haikus, Sweet verses of friendship dance, Nature's ode to hearts.
The Valentine Box by Maud Hart Lovelace- With a diverse cast, explore the universal fear of being the only one without a valentine in this heartfelt picture book. Join the journey of overcoming this concern and finding joy in making a new friend. Through colorful illustrations and relatable storytelling, the book beautifully captures the emotional landscape of acceptance, friendship, and the warmth of inclusion.
Mirabel’s Missing Valentines by Janet Lawler- Join Mirabel on a whimsical journey as her valentines take an unexpected flight. In this heartening tale, discover the transformative power of kind words that have the magical ability to brighten anyone's day. Mirabel's misadventure becomes a celebration of the warmth found in spreading kindness.
The Story of Valentine by Wilma Pitchford Hays and Leonard Weisgard- For curious young minds seeking the origins of the holiday, this book is a gem. Delight in the perfect synergy of words and illustrations as this dynamic duo brings to life the enchanting tale of the holiday's roots, making it an exceptional addition to any child's collection.
Appolonia's Valentine by Katherine Milhous- Immerse yourself in a delightful tale adorned with beautiful illustrations, where the narrative unfolds the heartwarming connection between long-distance pen pals. Discover the magic of intricate valentines exchanged across miles, creating a bond that transcends distance and celebrates the enduring beauty of friendship and connection.
A Unicorn Named Sparkle and the Perfect Valentine by Amy Young- Indulge in the adorable world of rhymes and endearing insecurity in this beloved little story, a clear favorite for our four-year-old. So cherished, we had to stealthily return it to the library and secure our own copy, ensuring that the magic of this tale remains a permanent resident on our bookshelf.
Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli - Listen to this book be read aloud here. In the pages of this poignant book, witness the profound truth that the love we generously give has a remarkable way of returning to us tenfold. Through its heartfelt narrative, the story beautifully illustrates the enduring power of love and its ability to create a ripple effect of warmth and joy, weaving a tale that resonates with the heart.
Valensteins by Ethan Long- For families in search of laughter, this recommendation comes with a touch of light potty humor—acknowledging that a cutout heart might resemble a certain bodily feature (“a butt”). Brace for giggles as the narrative playfully asserts that true love involves kissing on the lips, a revelation met with comedic shock and horror by two shy lovebirds. This delightful story adds a charming twist to the notion of love, making it a perfect choice for those seeking humor and heart.
Henry in Love: A Valentine's Day Book For Kids by Peter McCarty- Embark on a heartwarming journey through the pages of a sweet tale, capturing the essence of an innocent first schoolboy crush. This endearing story unfolds the tender emotions and charming moments that accompany the flutter of young hearts, creating a delightful narrative that resonates with the innocence and joy of early romantic feelings.
The Valentine Bears by Eve Bunting, Illustrator Jan Brett- In this charming classic by Eve Bunting, Mrs. Bear sets her alarm early so she can celebrate her first Valentine's Day. She delights in preparing for the big surprise, but will Mr. Bear wake up to celebrate the day with her? This sweet picture book couldn't be more delightful, and I (Kimberly) particularly enjoyed seeing a different artistic style from the legendary illustrator Jan Brett.
Valentine’s Day Stories and Poems edited by Caroline Feller Bauer, Illustrator Blanche L. Sims- Dive into the enchanting world of "Valentine's Day: Stories and Poems," where editor Caroline Feller Bauer and illustrator Blanche L. Sims join forces to deliver 35 selections that are both cheeky and whimsical. Ideal for cozy winter evenings with a cup of hot tea, these poems and stories promise to warm your bones, soothe your mind, and tickle your inner child's fancy. Beyond the delightful tales, discover a Valentine craft, a delectable recipe, a list of "I love you" in multiple languages, and even a special Valentine book list. Whether enjoyed alone or read aloud to the family, let this collection be your companion as you eagerly count down to the 14th.
Queen of Hearts by Mary Engelbreit- Anne Estelle loves Valentine's Day and crafting. When her class set out to decorate Valentine boxes, she devoted herself to making the fanciest, most extraordinary Valentine box of all. Her joy is lost, however, when she realizes she forgot the most important thing. In Queen of Hearts, Mary Engelbreit creates a character that is creative, lovable, and above all, relatable.
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Well I'm a few days late but I snagged a lot of these for our book basket for the rest of Feb. Thank you for the content considerations and summaries. I'm excited to dig in!
Lovely list. Thank you.