Best Valentine's Day Books for Kids
“In the coldest February, as in every other month in every other year, the best thing to hold on to in this world is each other.” - Linda Ellerbee
🫀I Love You Already by Jory John, illustrated by Benji Davis
Bear is looking forward to the perfect quiet day: cozy chair, stacks of books, and a warm cup of tea. But Duck (his energetic, impulsive neighbor) has other plans, and he’s not taking “no” for an answer. As they head out for a walk, Duck chatters nonstop and starts to worry that Bear’s short, one-word replies mean he doesn’t actually like him. Bear keeps insisting, “I LIKE YOU ALREADY!”…but Duck can’t quite hear it through his own anxiety—until a small mishap finally makes Bear’s caring actions speak louder than words.
🫀 Click, Clack, Moo I Love You by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin
From the beloved barnyard crew comes a playful celebration of love, friendship, and appreciation. With familiar characters and Betsy Lewin’s expressive illustrations, this story delivers heartfelt messages wrapped in humor that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day laughs with a cozy finish.
🫀 What is Love by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Carson Ellis
My admiration for Mac Barnett is as strong as ever in this book about how we each get to define love for ourselves. Through simple questions, surprising answers, and Carson Ellis’s timeless illustrations, this story invites kids to notice how love shows up in their own lives.
🫀 The Invisible String by Patricia Karst, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
A bestselling, heart-touching picture book phenomenon about the invisible bonds of love that connect us all. When two children are comforted by their mother during a storm, she tells them about an Invisible String made of love — a connection they share with family, friends, and all the people who matter to them, no matter how far apart they are or how long they’ve been separated. In our family, we have a secret handshake that ends with us all yelling “Team Finck!” and helps with hard goodbyes at school drop off. We also love a “kissing hand” from time to time (iykyk). The book is another tool to add to that arsenal.
🫀 The Love Letter by Anika Aldamuy Denise, illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins
The unexpected outcomes in this book show the domino effect of love in our lives and how small acts of kindness can ripple far beyond what we imagine (and might convince your kids to help around the house? tbd). A joyful, beautifully illustrated reminder that love multiplies when it’s shared.
🫀 A Little Spot of Love by Diane Alber
As the self-appointed president of Diane’s fan club, I’m as grateful as ever for all the ways she’s taught us how to talk about our feelings and all the tools she’s given us to regulate them. This one is complete with activities at the end for growing your “love spot,” making it both a story and a hands-on emotional learning tool.
🫀 Plant a Kiss by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
Foster told me about this one he read at school and asked me to get it. I love having something short and sweet on hand for the evenings they ask so politely with their crystal blue puppy dog eyes “can we pleeeeaaase have one more book?” A one minute read is a win/win for us all.
🫀 Love You by Heart by Peter H. Reynolds
An ode to unconditional love that captures the way we all feel about our children and will give you the words you want to say to them on Valentine’s Day (and all the other days, too).
🫀 Harvey the Heart Had Too Many Farts by Jane Bexley
Every family has their own modus operandi on potty talk. Ours is ‘get it all out in our house so you can have self control in the less appropriate settings’. And, year after year, toots continue to rank high on the funny scale. This is undeniably my kids’ favorite Valentine’s Day book and I have to admit I love the narrative of loving all parts of yourself, despite what others think.
🫀 A Giant Crush by Gennifer Choldenko, illustrated by Melissa Sweet
A sweet, slightly awkward, very relatable story about big feelings, specifically that overwhelming first crush. With warmth and humor, this book normalizes the intensity of love and admiration kids experience, while reassuring them that emotions don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.
🫀 I Love You, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt, illustrated by Cyd Moore
A vividly illustrated bedtime story that shows how the unconditional love of a mother can be tested through the relentless questions of her little boy. No matter how ridiculous the scenario, the answer is always the same: I love you.
🫀 Little Love Bug by Chronicle Books, illustrated by Emily Dove
Probably most entertaining for the three-and-under crowd, this one had dozens of reads in our house. The storyline is basic, but the finger-puppet ladybug makes it fun to ad-lib and add action, turning storytime into calm playtime.
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