Not to be cliché, but I love Valentine’s Day. My loyal readers know it’s my favorite holiday. As a mom and author, my preferred way to celebrate the holiday is gifting books to my three daughters. Of course, with candy and cards too.
Every year, I (ahem, my husband) takes down a heavy box of our love-themed books. I also check out Valentine’s day books (and DVDs) this time of year. This is the best way to try out new books before buying. It’s also a way to get whatever character my kids are currently obsessed with, like Bluey, Pinkalicious, Fancy Nancy, and more.
Here’s a roundup of the best Valentine’s Day books that will steal your heart.
BOARD BOOKS
Snuggle Puppy!: A Little Love Song (By Sandra Boynton)
This was the first-ever Valentine’s-themed children’s book I bought for my oldest daughter. Families can enjoy the sing-songy rhyme together, no matter the season. The instructions to whisper or be loud are always a hit with kiddos.
I Love You, Little Pookie (By Sandra Boynton)
Like all Boynton books, it’s another short and sweet read perfect for bedtime. Parents will love reading this to their real-life Little Pookies.
Llama Llama I Love You (By Anna Dewdney)
In less than 50 words, Dewdney does what she does best in this sweet poem for the littlest listeners. These shorter holiday-themed books are perfect for new readers to practice reading aloud to say little siblings. The illustrations for all her books are always fabulous too.
Love from Me to You (By Patricia Hegarty)
Such a touching message about love wrapped in a mesmerizing butterfly with die-cuts and layered pages.
Lilly’s Chocolate Heart (By Kevin Henkes)
Lilly shows initial restraint with her chocolate-wrapped heart in this satisfying story. Our book’s copy has a gem over the candy from one of my three daughters. The gem makes me love the book even more.
P.S. Henkes’ box set for this book and others is entertainment gold. Kids love playing with their own little library.
PICTURE BOOKS
Cupig: The Valentine’s Day Pig (By Claire Tattersfield)
I checked this New York Times bestseller out from the library last year. This clever take on Cupid will soon join our families’ collection because we’re big fans of silly rhyming stories. A storm sends Cupig’s arrows off course, causing major breakups: Salt and Pepper, Peanut Butter and Jelly, and others! Will the pig fix her mistakes? Find out!
Love: from Sesame Street (By Sesame Workshop)
We have two copies of this book and rightfully so. “Love is . . .” so many things and our friends at Sesame Street teach us that in their always-gentle way.
Little Blue Truck’s Valentine (By Alice Schertle)
No matter the holiday, Little Blue Truck can do no wrong in my book (pun intended). Blue delivers Valentine’s Day cards to all his farm animal friends. He worries if he’ll get any cards. Personally, I think he gets something better.
Minnie’s Valentine (By Sheila Sweeny Higginson)
“Meeska, Mooska” my girls made me read this a million times. It’s a cute story with what I can only presume a funny adult underlying message that women should trick men into giving them a specific gift. Not the worst advice . . . The enclosed stickers were a big hit too.
The Night Before Valentine’s Day (By Natasha Wing)
With similar “The Night Before Christmas” rhyming vibes, Wing’s version touches upon all the fun Valentine’s Day traditions.
Happy Love Day, Daniel Tiger! (By Becky Friedman)
My youngest is going through a real Daniel Tiger phase, and I’m here for it with this adorable lift-the-flap book. I’m also a BIG fan of anything in the Mister Rogers realm.
ABC Valentine (By Pamela Jane)
Celebrate the holiday from A to Z! This is a fun way for kids to work on their letters with engaging illustrations. Bonus: 20 tattoo stickers come in every book.
HILLARIOUS HONORABLE MENTION
A Valentine for Fuzzboom (By True Kelley)
I get the biggest kick out of Lima Bean’s obsession of Fuzzboom. The bunny is nothing short of desperate, making her beloved bunny crush 127 Valentine’s to settle on the perfect one:
Full disclaimer, this book has the word “jerk” and “dumb” in it. I guess that could slide in children’s literature in the early 1980s . . . Yet, the ending cracks me (and my kids) up every time.
I also have a soft spot for this book because there’s an inscription to my husband from his aunt, uncle, and cousins. The true moral of this book choice is that a sentimental note will be cherished forever. It’s a great idea for your little Valentines to pass down from one generation to the next. So add a sweet message in your books to your little loves. 💌 📖
Lauren's Law 