Every year, whenever Valentine’s Day is approaching, love is in the air! Heart-shaped cookies and cupid’s arrows reign supreme. Teddy bears and candies take over store shelves. And what better way to join in the fun along with your kiddos than to dive into the heartwarming stories about love, romance, and friendship?
Here’s a list of five adorable titles that will be a perfect fit for a Valentine’s Day reading:
1. Bananas For You
Age range: 0-3
Type: picture book
I love the Moyle sisters with all my heart – they’re the board book, writer-illustrator duo extraordinaire! “Bananas for You” – just like the rest of their titles – is an utter delight. It has plenty of their signature charm… and some cute, bubbly rhymes to match (not to mention the stylish, fluorescent illustrations). If you’re on the fence about this year’s Valentine’s Day bedtime read, you can’t go wrong with “Bananas for You.” Your littles will squeal from joy!
2. This is NOT a Valentine
(by Carter Higgins, illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins)
Age range: 5-8
Type: picture book
“This Is NOT a Valentine” is equal parts ingenious, heartwarming, and funny – not to mention playful and fresh!
The story revolves around a young boy who expresses his fondness for a classmate, all the while insisting that his gestures aren’t the typical Valentine’s Day declarations of affection. After all, no buckets of roses and no cutesy, sappy rhymes on cards are exchanged… There’s no glitter either! Instead, the gifts are thoughtfully tailored to the girl’s taste and preferences: a vending-machine ring, dandelions, the jelly part of the peanut butter and jelly sandwich…
The story is charming and relatable, and the illustrations warm and infused with emotion. The book celebrates authenticity over clichés, emphasizing the magic of a heartfelt connection, which makes it a wonderful title for readers both young and old(er)!
3. I Really, Really Love You So
Age range: 3-7
Type: picture book
Filled with clever, read-aloud-ready rhymes and boasting an adorable lemur protagonist, “I Really, Really Love You So” is outlandishly humorous and surprisingly touching. As our hero muses on the best way to show their parent how much they love them, hilarious (and ever escalating) ideas abound. What about wrestling a crocodile? Or climbing a mountain? Finally, he arrives at a profound conclusion: more often than not, simplicity is key.
The sweet illustrations complement the story perfectly, and the wild and wacky scenarios prevent the book from becoming too sappy or cloying. “I Really, Really Love You So” is a title both you and your little ones will definitely want to reread more than once.
4. Slug in Love
(by Rachel Bright, illustrated by Nadia Shireen)
Age range: 4-8
Type: picture book
“Slug in Love” by Rachel Bright is a charming picture book that tells the tale of Doug, a love-struck slug smitten with a rock.
With humor and heart, the story follows Doug’s amusing attempts to woo his stone crush while discovering the importance of being true to oneself. Nadia Shireen’s playful illustrations add to the book’s quirky charm, making it a fun read that teaches young ones about friendship and finding connections in unexpected places. You definitely won’t regret adding it to your TBR pile!
5. Love, Violet
Age range: 4-8
Type: picture book
What a tender, wise, and heartwarming picture book this is! A gem that definitely belongs on your kiddos’ bookshelf!
The story is centered around a young girl, Violet, who has a crush on a classmate. The only problem is, the object of her affection, Mira – quite literally – leaves her speechless. Then, one winter, for Valentine’s Day, Violet decides to overcome her shyness and crafts a glittering valentine, which she hides under her cowboy hat. As recess unfolds, her hat blows away, drenching the card… Still, Violet musters the courage to open up about her feelings.
The narrative is energetic, mirroring Violet’s nervousness, while the watercolor illustrations brim with emotion. “Love, Violet” is a masterclass in writing about love and romance for very young audiences.