14 Sweet Valentine's Day Books for Kids
Parents say these heartwarming stories about love are the perfect books to read for Valentine's Day with your kids!
These books make sweet (and sugar-free!) Valentine's Day gifts for kids, fun read-alouds for school class parties, and are wonderful to revisit all year long to inspire a love for love in its many forms.
Let us know about your family's favorite Valentine's Day books for kids below!
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The Velveteen Rabbit
Age 3+
Kelly R: One of my daughter's favorites, with such a beautiful message about love.
Love from The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Age 1-3
Brigitte Nohra Miller: The beloved Very Hungry Caterpillar is sure to win every reader's heart! The book is filled with colorful collage illustrations (Eric Carle's signature), and the story features the famous caterpillar and his journey to express love!
Llama Llama I Love You
Age 0-3
Brigitte Nohra Miller: Join little Llama in his Valentine's Day book as he creates and sends cards to friends, and spreads love all around!
Fancy Nancy: Heart to Heart
Age 3-6
Fancy Nancy goes on a quest to discover who sent her an anonymous Valentine card.
Hug Machine
Age 1-4
Sue Krawitz Tandoc: This is the sweetest story about a little boy who refers to himself as the Hug Machine because he is the best hugger in the land. He will hug anyone and anything and it shows the simple act of a hug can do so much good for others and himself. The ending provides a tear-jerker moment, especially for moms. This book demonstrates how children feel empathy and compassion for others in a way they will understand with easy text and fun illustrations (especially when the Hug Machine hugs a porcupine and whale!)
Happy Valentine's Day, Mouse!
Age 0-4
Laura Numeroff captures a sweet and funny message of love and acceptance in this Valentine's Day book for kids, where mouse is busy making Valentines for all of his friends.
Snuggle Puppy
Age 0-3
Kelly R: My kids were big fans of Sandra Boynton's books when they were little, and this was one of our favorites! An adorable book for Valentine's Day that can be enjoyed any time. It's a cute song about love that you sing while snuggling your little one.
The I Love You Book
Age 1-4
Nancy L.: The I Love You Book by Todd Parr is about unconditional love. It shows kids that families love each other in good times and bad. As with all of Parr's book, the bright, basic illustrations and simple text convey very complex thoughts, ideas, and emotions to the youngest readers. Parr says, "I love you when you are silly. I love you when you are sad. I love you when you are stinky. I love you when we cuddle." It's sure to get a laugh while imparting an important message.
The Moon Sees You & Me
Age 0-5
Hannah Scott: It's difficult for children to be away from those they love -- whether it's a grandparent in a different state, a deployed military parent, or just an overnight trip. The Moon Sees You & Me by Caleb Burroughs is a comforting story about seeing the same moon, feeling the same wind, and wishing on the same stars as your loved one, no matter how far apart you may be.
How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?
Age 0-4
Vanessa M.: No matter how naughty little dinosaurs can be, their Moms and Dads will always love them. The young dinosaurs in this book show love to their parents in many ways. The larger-than-life dinosaur illustrations draw young readers in, while the message of love brings families closer together.
The Missing Piece Meets the Big O
Age 4-8
Brigitte Nohra Miller: Published in 1976 by Shel Silverstein, The Missing Piece Meets the Big O is an inventive and heartwarming book about a missing piece in search of its perfect match. The book offers an emboldening message that true love doesn’t complete us, but rather helps us grow. The illustrations in the book are so simple and yet deliver a great message. Kids and adults will enjoy reading it.
Where Is Love, Biscuit?
Age 0-4
Brigitte Nohra Miller: Cute puppy Biscuit takes us on a journey to discover how love is all around us! This simple book helps kids reflect on their daily activities and see them in a new light. Now, my kids are even more excited to wear the woolly jumpers knitted by their granny, proud that they have been made especially for them, with love! The "touch and feel" feature makes the reading more engaging as they run their little fingers over the different textures incorporated into the illustrations.
Will You Be My Sunshine
Age 0-5
Hannah Scott: This sweet and simple story by Julia Lobo celebrates the unconditional love of a mother for her child. The lilting rhyme travels from page to page as a little mouse asks for reassurance of his mother's devotion through uncertain times, and the mother provides it in turn. The charming illustrations are delightfully whimsical as well. You'll come back to this one time and time again!
Where Does Love Come From?
Age 1-4
Brigitte Nohra Miller: This board book tackles the big question, "Where does love come from?" To find the answer, readers will go through a series of silly and adorable questions. What's unique about this book are the colorful and artistic illustrations that are sure to capture your kids eyes!
Primary photo: Anna Kolosyuk on Unsplash
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