Valentine’s Day Books for Kids
Hiiii! Okay so we’ve covered some flirty romance for the adult TBR list, but what about the kids? I mean you could always read aloud those romance novels but good luck explaining some of those words to your babes! :) Kidding aside, there are so many sweet books for kids with a valentine or love theme. And wasn’t Valentine’s Day just the BEST as a kid? Addressing those little cards that came in a box, passing them out at the class party, then playing all the games that the room parents planned. Major props to room parents in the 90s for coming up with all that fun on their own without being able to Google/Pinterest that shit. If you’re a Peloton person, Cody Rigsby talks in one of his rides about what made you think people were rich when you were a kid. He says if you had a garage fridge, you were riiiich. I cannot do justice to how funny he is, BUT I thought you were rich if you passed out valentines with candy attached (you know those FunDip ones?? Or the ones with the Life Savers?? RICH.). Side note: I realize and acknowledge my privileged past experiences and that all may not have had a positive experience, so I am holding space for that here as well.
Valentine’s Day--however much of a made-up holiday it may be--always seems to deliver on the good candy, good books, and good vibes. For me, it’s less about the romance/relationship aspect (although I’ll take a gift please, Ter) and more about the love and happiness that the day/season seems to bring. Everything is pink and there is candy literally everywhere you turn--what could be better? Not to mention there are so many amazing children’s books to read that celebrate love in all its forms. Here’s what’s on our shelf this season along with a few that are on my wishlist.
Each of these titles will make perfect choices for your at-home bookshelf, your classroom read aloud, a sweet gift to a child, or a Valentine’s Day book drive contribution. Also, quick PSA: Semicolon Bookstore in Chicago created National Black Literacy Day, which will be on February 14th (super easy to remember!). They’re collecting new and gently used books to give away to families all over Chicago. If you have any books to donate, drop them off at Volumes Book Cafe in Wicker or Semicolon, and they’ll get them where they need to go! You can read more about NBLD and Semicolon’s #cleartheshelves initiative HERE.
Now, on to the books! Each title is linked with my Bookshop affiliate link, so--full transparency--I get compensated if you use my link, but most importantly your money is going to LOCAL, INDEPENDENT BOOKSELLERS. Woo! You can also browse all of my Bookshop shelves HERE. Okay now really, on to the books.
Big Hugs, Little Hugs - Creator: Felicia Bond
Hugs of all kinds are welcome here! Well...err...not exactly in a pandemic I guess, but we can read about them! You might recognize Felicia Bond’s illustration style from the If You Give A Mouse a Cookie dynasty of books!
Besos for Baby - Creators: Jen Arena (Author), Blana Gómez (Illus.)
We are always on the hunt for great bilingual board books, and this one is a favorite! You’ll be giving besos on every page!
This is Not a Valentine - Creators: Carter Higgins (Author); Lucy Ruth Cummins (Illus.)
Super sweet story about two kids who just really like each other, okay??
Love From the Crayons - Creators: Drew Daywalt (Author), Oliver Jeffers (Illus.)
Love From the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
I love these little books that I’m seeing more and more of. Favorite characters in pocket-size form to match with several occasions/holidays. Would like to see more inclusion of holidays celebrated by people other than white Christians, but maybe (hopefully) those are coming soon!
A Crankenstein Valentine - Creators: Samantha Berger (Author), Dan Santat (Illus.)
Crankenstein is back, and this time, it’s Valentine’s Day! Yeccchh.
My Heart - Creator: Corinna Luyken
Your heart can be anything you want it to be. What will yours be?
Llama Llama I Love You - Creator: Anna Dewdney
We love Baby and Mama Llama at our house, and this one is especially cute!
Worm Loves Worm - Creators: J.J. Austrian (Author), Mike Curato (Illus.)
Worm and Worm are getting married and it's the perfect celebration of Pride. Love is love, and that’s all that matters!
Love, Z - Creator: Jessie Sima
Jessie Sima is another favorite! Her books never cease to amaze, and Love, Z is no different. Read along as Z sets out to find the meaning of love.
Robot in Love - Creator: T.L. McBeth
You’ll never guess who Robot is in love with in this laugh-out-loud gem of a book.
Plant a Kiss - Creators: Amy Krouse Rosenthal (Author), Peter H. Reynolds (Illus.)
From one of the best author-illustrator combos you’ll find in the picture book game comes this sparkly story about what happens when you plant a kiss. Always wishing we could have more from AKR; the world didn’t get enough time with her.
Love Monster - Creator: Rachel Bright
Will Love Monster find someone who loves him for him? Read this sweet-not-scare monster book to find out!
The Day It Rained Hearts - Creator: Felicia Bond
Who knew Felicia Bond was a valentine story phenom? In The Day It Rained Hearts, Cornelia collects the hearts that fall from the sky and turns them into the perfect valentines for each of her friends.
Love Is - Creators: Diane Adams (Author), Claire Keane (Illus.)
When your valentine is your sweet baby and you cry just thinking about them getting older and leaving you, you read this book and cry some more. This book was made for me and for mamas everywhere. I love it so much.
Aaaaand here are some titles that I’m hoping to check off my wishlist soon!
The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage - Creators: Selina Alko (Author, Illus.), Sean Qualls (Illus.)
The picture-book story of the Supreme Court case, Loving v. Virginia, which removed laws banning interracial marriage in the United States.
The Love Letter - Creators: Anika Aldamuy Denise (Author), Lucy Ruth Cummins (Illus.)
A sweet story of forest animals who happen across a love letter and must find out who it’s from. So so cute and still getting so much buzz even though it came out over a year ago.
Hug Machine - Creator: Scott Campbell
SO. MANY. HUGS. That’s it. That’s the description. :)
Wishing you all a happy Valentine season and hoping you found something to love on this list. XO
Happy Reading!
-Amy-
