As I’ve mentioned before, one of my favorite ways to express love to my kiddos is through books. That is one reason why I think that books about love and books about Valentine’s day make the best Valentine’s gifts. (Step aside candy!) Below are some wonderful Valentine’s Day book suggestions and because this is an “ultimate” list we will be adding more to it every year so check back again!
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“This is Not a Valentine” by Carter Higgins and Lucy Ruth Cummins- In this endearing story a little boy expresses how he cares for a little girl through a series of gifts that he tries to explain are not valentines. Instead they are tokens of friendship made with care to reflect the little girls interests. Such a sweet story!
“Love From the Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle- You’re favorite caterpillar is back! This short, but sweet book, is full of statements of love from proclaiming that the reader is “the bees knees” to how they “make the sun shine brighter”. A definite winner.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Curious George” by N. Di Angelo and Mary O’Keefe Young- In this book Curious George and his friends prepare for a Valentines Day party. Through the preparations of baking and decorating George causes a bit of playful mischief. We love the flaps to lift in this book and its festive-ness.
“Bagel in Love” by Natasha Wing and Helen Dardik- Bagel needs a partner for the dance contest, but he is having a hard time finding someone. In the end he finds not only a partner, but true love. This darling book has bright, cheery illustrations and all the food puns you could ever want. We love it. (For “beyond the book” fun click here.)
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Mouse!” by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond- In this book our favorite little mouse from “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” is back to celebrate Valentine’s Day. It is fun to have a simple introduction to the holiday with him and read about him making valentines.
“A Village Full of Valentines” by James Stevenson- This is an older book, but we love it! It is a small collection of a couple of short “early reader” stories about Valentines Day and is a delight to read through.
“It’s Valentine’s Day, Chloe Zoe!” by Jane Smith- Chloe is SO excited to exchange valentines at school for Valentine’s day. However, when one of her extra special valentines goes missing things are less than perfect. With a little help from a few friends the day is saved and all ends well. This is such a sweet book and it’s full of valentine goodness.
“Ruby Valentine Saves The Day” by Laurie Friedman and Lynne Avrid- Ruby’s favorite day of the year is Valentine’s Day and this year she is determined to throw the best Valentine’s Day party ever. However, a big snowstorm gets in the way and Ruby learns what it is about Valentines day exactly that means the most to her. A playful and adorable Valentine’s Day book!
“The Day It Rained Hearts” by Felicia Bond- One day it rains hearts and Corneilia excitedly collects some. Out of them she makes some very special valentines for some very special friends. A tradition that she decides to carry on every year. This one is full of charm and is sweet and simple.
“The Ballad of Valentine” by Alison Jackson and Tricia Tusa- This is a humorous, yet heartwarming, story about a young man who loves a young lady named Valentine. Determined to tell her how he feels he goes to extreme lengths to try and send her a valentine, all of which are thwarted. However, Valentine has a simple solution that is sure to make readers giggle.
“The Valentine Bears” by Eve Bunting and Jan Brett- Mrs Bear and Mr Bear have never celebrated Valentine’s Day together because of their hibernation. However, Mrs Bear is determined that this Valentine’s Day will be different. This cozy book has the most darling illustrations and adorable story.
“Somebody Loves You Mr Hatch” by Eileen Spinelli and Paul Yalowitz- Warning, this heart-warming book is a real tear-jerker. You may need some tissues on hand as you read this powerful story about how acts of love can make a big impact.
“One Zillion Valentines” by Frank Modell- This is another older one but I just adore it and it is one of my favorites. In this story two friends make “a zillion” valentines for everybody in their neighborhood. It is full of charm and is definitely a memorable one!
“Valentine Surprise” by Corinne Demas and R.W. Alley- This is a darling story of a little girl who wants to make her mother a special valentine for valentines day. It is positively precious and has the sweetest message that gifts from the heart are always good enough.
Mirabel’s Missing Valentines
Delivery
Robot in Love
“Llama Llama I Love You” by Anna Dewdney- In this short, rhyming book Llama is back to celebrate valentines day. It is a lovely introduction for babies and toddlers to the holiday.
“How Many Do I Love You: A Valentine Counting Book” by Cheri Love-Byrd and Mei Støyva- This counting book invites you to count some adorable valentines items as well as friendly animals. The alliteration in this book makes it extra fun and it’s a new Valentine’s favorite.
“123 You Love Me” by Jill Howarth- This book sports rhyming text that guides you through counting up to 12. It is full of things that help you feel love (such as family and friends) and things that children love (like ice cream). Seriously though, the illustrations have me completely smitten.
“My Heart is Like a Zoo” by Michael Hall- This is a simple book that is all about your heart and the many emotions that it is home too. The star of this book is the illustrations that are made almost entirely from heart shapes and my kids and I get a kick out of it.
“Valentine Mice” by Bethany Roberts and Dough Cushman- Adorable, vintage looking mice that deliver Valentines? Enough said! Love this one.
“How To Say I Love You in Five Languages” by Kenard Pak- This book briefly introduces you to five different children and how they say “I Love You” in five different languages. (French, Japanese, Mandarin, English and Spanish) The best part is that you can press five buttons to hear each one. SO cool!!!
“Hedgehugs” by Steve Wilson and Lucy Tapper- We love these darling hedgehogs and their quest to find a way past their spiky quills to some hugs. They are so cute and we’ve read this book a million bazillion times.
“You’re My Little Cuddle Bug” by Nicola Edwards and Nathalie Marshal- This book is full of sweet statements of love for children and the best part (other than the tenderness of it all) is the die cuts in the pages. It is perfect for the tiniest Valentines.
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