Top 25 Valentine’s Day Books for Kids: Share the Love with These Reads
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about candy and cards; it’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate love through the joy of reading. This year, Faith & Fun Creations is thrilled to introduce our latest release, “The Thank You Note,” as the cornerstone of our Valentine’s Day reading list. Crafted by our talented Ann Anderson and illustrated by Ann Pomelova, this delightful tale captures the essence of gratitude, making it a perfect gift for the little ones in your life.
“The Thank You Note” follows Sam, a nearly eight-year-old girl, on her journey of discovering the importance of saying thank you. Through her birthday party mishaps, a memorable Christmas with Aunt Clarice, and an enlightening Valentine’s Day, Sam learns that gratitude can truly make a world of difference. It’s a story that not only entertains but also imparts valuable life lessons on appreciation and kindness.
In addition to “The Thank You Note,” we’ve curated a selection of other heartwarming books perfect for Valentine’s Day. Each book is categorized by age group to help you find the right read for your child, grandchild, or student.
25 Valentine’s Day Books for Kids
Babies and Toddlers Will Adore:
I Love You, Spot by Eric Hill
Eric Hill’s “I Love You, Spot” is an endearing tale of Spot, the puppy, showing love to his mom, making it a perfect read for Valentine’s Day. This heart-shaped board book is an adorable way for little ones to learn about expressing love and planning surprises for those they care about.
Lessons: Expressing love, family bonds.
Llama Llama I Love You by Anna Dewdney
Anna Dewdney’s “Llama Llama I Love You” captures young hearts with its simple rhymes and warm illustrations, showing Llama Llama sharing love on Valentine’s Day. This book is an excellent introduction for babies and toddlers to the concept of showing affection and appreciation for friends and family.
Lessons: Showing love and affection, friendship.
Lilly’s Chocolate Heart by Kevin Henkes
“Lilly’s Chocolate Heart” is a sweet exploration of Lilly’s dilemma with her last chocolate heart: where to keep it safe. Kevin Henkes delivers a story that resonates with the youngest readers, teaching about decision-making and the joy found in simple pleasures. This board book is perfect for toddlers learning about saving and savoring special treats.
Lessons: Decision making, saving things you love.
You’re My Little Cuddle Bug by Nicola Edwards + Natalie Marshall
“You’re My Little Cuddle Bug” by Nicola Edwards delights in the simple joys of cuddles and love shared between parents and children. Its vibrant pages and rhyming text make it an engaging read for the youngest readers. The book offers an interactive experience that celebrates the affectionate bond in every cuddle.
Lessons: Love, affection, parent-child bond.
I Love You, Little Pookie by Sandra Boynton
“I Love You, Little Pookie” by Sandra Boynton is an enchanting board book that showcases the unconditional love a mother has for her child, Pookie. Through playful rhymes and engaging illustrations, it teaches children about the unwavering nature of love, emphasizing that they are loved through all situations. This book is perfect for nurturing a sense of security and affection in young readers.
Lessons: Unconditional love, family affection.
ABCs of Love by Patricia Hegarty and Summer Macon
“The ABCs of Love” by Rose Rossner takes young readers through the alphabet with messages of love, pairing each letter with a heartwarming rhyme. This book combines adorable animal illustrations with a sweet, evergreen message, making it a perfect read-aloud for bedtime or any moment of shared love throughout the year.
Lessons: Learning the alphabet and expressing affection.
Valentine’s Day Treats by Tara Knudson
“Valentine’s Day Treats” is a vibrant board book that combines sweet rhymes and engaging illustrations to celebrate the spirit of Valentine’s Day. This book invites young readers and their families to dive into the festive joy of creating and sharing, featuring an array of Valentine’s Day crafts and treats, including a special recipe for heart-shaped cereal treats.
Lessons: Creativity, sharing, and holiday traditions.
Construction Site: You’re Just Right by Sherri Duskey Rinker
On Valentine’s Day, each construction vehicle receives a special note, sparking curiosity and excitement. Through interactive lift-the-flap pages, young readers can join in the fun, unveiling messages that highlight the importance of friendship and kindness.
Lessons: Friendship, kindness, and problem-solving.
Love from The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
“Love from The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle is a delightful exploration of love through the eyes of the beloved Very Hungry Caterpillar. This book shows how special people make the world a better place, making it an ideal gift to express love and affection. Its simple yet profound messages are perfect for readers of all ages to understand the importance of love in making life brighter.
Lessons: Expressing love, appreciation.
Preschool Favorites:
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Rose! by Lucille Colandro
“There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Rose!” by Lucille Colandro spins a whimsical tale about a beloved, hungry old lady. This amusing twist on the classic song sees her swallowing everything from a rose to lace and glitter, concocting a peculiar yet endearing gift for Valentine’s Day. Children will laugh along with the story’s rhyming text and playful illustrations, making it an excellent pick for a holiday read.
Lessons: Sequence of events, cause and effect, and humor.
Happy Valentine’s Day, Mouse! by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond
Join Mouse from “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” as he celebrates Valentine’s Day, crafting special valentines for each of his friends. This is a wonderful introduction to the joys of giving and appreciation, highlighted through Mouse’s thoughtful gestures for his friends.
Lessons: Friendship, making and giving valentines.
The Valentine Bears by Eve Bunting and Jan Brett
“The Valentine Bears” by Eve Bunting brings a cozy tale of Mr. and Mrs. Bear celebrating Valentine’s Day for the first time, despite their usual hibernation. Jan Brett’s illustrations enrich this sweet story of love and surprise, making it a heartwarming read for young children discovering Valentine’s Day traditions.
Lessons: Celebration of love, hibernation.
The Berenstain Bears’ Valentine Blessings by Mike Berenstain
“The Berenstain Bears’ Valentine Blessings” celebrates Valentine’s Day with a focus on love and family values. Brother Bear navigates the waters of having a secret admirer and Papa Bear shares a tender story. This book is not only a tale of Valentine’s Day surprises but also a lesson on the divine nature of love, making it a meaningful read for young hearts.
Lessons: The nature of love, kindness, and family values.
Day It Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond
Felicia Bond, the illustrator behind “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” brings a creative and sweet story perfect for Valentine’s Day. “The Day It Rained Hearts” follows Cornelia Augusta as she uses a unique rainstorm to craft special valentines for her animal friends. This imaginative tale encourages kindness and thoughtfulness, paired with Valentine’s Day crafts.
Lessons: Creativity, kindness, making and sending valentines.
Love Is My Favorite Thing by Emma Chichester Clark
“Love Is My Favorite Thing” brings to life Plum, a dog whose boundless enthusiasm and love capture the essence of joyful living. Through Plum’s adventures and misadventures, readers learn about the power of unconditional love and forgiveness. A celebration of love in all its forms, it teaches children about acceptance and the beauty of loving and being loved in return.
Lessons: Unconditional love, forgiveness, and the joy of family.
Early Elementary Readers Will Love:
Happy Valentine’s Day, Little Critter! by Mercer Mayer
Mercer Mayer’s beloved character, Little Critter, is back to celebrate Valentine’s Day with his classmates. Through engaging lift-the-flap pages, readers can join in the classroom fun, from crafting decorations to sharing valentines, embodying the excitement of the holiday.
Lessons: Celebration of Valentine’s Day, making special cards.
Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli + Paul Yalowitz
Eileen Spinelli’s “Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch” is a touching narrative of a lonely man’s life transformed by a mysterious Valentine’s Day package. This story beautifully illustrates how a small act of kindness can make a huge difference, perfect for teaching children about compassion and the impact of generosity.
Lessons: The power of kindness and community.
The Biggest Valentine Ever by Steven Kroll + Jeni Bassett
“The Biggest Valentine Ever” by Steven Kroll tells the story of Clayton and Desmond as they learn about cooperation and friendship through the trials of creating the perfect Valentine’s Day card. When their competitive nature almost ruins the project, they discover that working together makes everything better, including Valentine’s Day.
Lessons: Cooperation, resolving conflicts, friendship.
The Mystery of the Love List by Sarah Glenn Marsh and Ishaa Lobo
“The Mystery of the Love List” by Sarah Glenn Marsh is an enchanting Valentine’s Day story that combines the thrill of a mystery with the joy of discovering a secret admirer. As Pippa embarks on a quest to uncover who appreciates her most, young readers will be drawn into a tale of friendship, curiosity, and the excitement of finding out someone cares deeply about them. This book is a perfect read for children who enjoy solving puzzles and learning about the importance of acknowledging the love that surrounds them.
Lessons: Friendship, mystery-solving, secret admirers.
Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink by Diane deGroat
Diane deGroat’s “Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink” is a delightful read-aloud that sparks laughter and lessons on kindness and forgiveness. When Gilbert finds himself at odds with writing nice valentines for classmates who’ve wronged him, he chooses a less kind route, leading to unexpected consequences. This tale not only entertains but also teaches the importance of empathy and saying sorry, making it a perfect pick for young readers.
Lessons: Forgiveness, kindness, consequences of actions.
“Here Comes Valentine Cat” by Deborah Underwood
“Here Comes Valentine Cat” by Deborah Underwood is a humorous take on Valentine’s Day from the perspective of Cat, who’s not a fan of the holiday’s mushiness, especially towards his new neighbor, Dog. The story unfolds with Cat’s initial reluctance turning into a surprising and touching revelation, showcasing the power of unexpected friendship and the importance of not judging too quickly.
Lessons: Understanding, friendship, and the joy of giving.
Purchase: Find it on Amazon
Ballad of Valentine by Alison Jackson and Tricia Tusa
“Ballad of Valentine” is a delightful and musically themed Valentine’s Day story set to the tune of “Oh My Darling, Clementine.” This book tells the tale of a persistent suitor trying to deliver his Valentine’s message in increasingly creative ways. Alison Jackson’s playful text and Tricia Tusa’s charming illustrations make this a perfect read for children who enjoy sing-alongs and tales of love.
Lessons: Persistence, creativity in expressing love.
The House of Love Hardcover by Adriana Trigiani
“The House of Love” is a touching portrayal of family love and Valentine’s Day traditions. Mia Valentina Amore experiences a day of transformation as her family prepares their home for Valentine’s Day. This story, set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge mountains, is a testament to the idea that love can turn any place into a warm home.
Lessons: The importance of family, the joy of giving, and the warmth of home.
Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentime by Barbara Park + Denise Brunkus
Dive into the hilarious world of Junie B. Jones this Valentime’s Day! Barbara Park’s unique character finds herself intrigued by a mushy valentine from a secret admirer. This chapter book is perfect for early readers who love a good mystery mixed with hearty laughter, teaching about friendship and the excitement of Valentine’s Day.
Lessons: Mystery, friendship, the excitement of receiving valentines.
Each book on our list brings its own unique flavor to the themes of love and friendship, making them perfect companions for “The Thank You Note.” Whether it’s through the whimsical adventures of beloved characters or the heartfelt journey of learning to express gratitude, these stories are sure to make Valentine’s Day special.
Happy reading this Valentine’s Day!
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