Valentine’s Day is one of those holidays you either love or hate. I am definitely pro Valentine’s and my enthusiasm for Valentine’s Day has grown since becoming a mom; perhaps it is the needed bursts of pink and red, after the long January blues. Or an excuse to make what could be just another regular day extra special. I decorate their bedroom doors with construction paper hearts covered with positive words, hang pink and red ornaments on the mini Christmas tree that still lights up our Canadian winters, and carefully select each of their Valentine’s Day cards to hand out at school.
Amongst the spurts and spats of pink and red cupids, flowers, and hearts in the house each February, you can also find our family’s collection of Valentine’s picture books. Collecting special picture books for the kids, especially during holidays, has always been important to me. I love to bring them out seasonally; each seems to hold a memory of when the kids were younger and wanted books read to them nightly. I also work at the local library, so I am constantly sifting through old and new children’s books to create new displays each month.
With February right around the corner, I have begun rereading Valentine’s Day books both at work and at home. With that, here is my list of ‘the best Valentine’s picture books and why my family loves them’.
Book Recommendations Note: While these picture books are great for young children of all ages, I’ve included “recommended ages” to ensure each book you purchase or check out from your local library is a great option for the children in your life.
Ollie’s Valentine’s By Olivier Dunrea
I am selfishly starting with ‘Ollie’s Valentine’s’ because my youngest is an Ollie, and I love collecting books with the kids’ names on them. This sweet board book is from the author of the best-selling series ‘Gossie & Friends‘. The illustrations of Ollie and his gosling buddies are just precious. Each book follows the friends on a little adventure. In this story, Ollie wants a Valentine, so he sets off to ask the others. But all of his feathered friends seem to have one already. Who will be Ollie’s Valentine then?
Why Kids Love ‘Ollie’s Valentine’s‘: ‘Ollie’s Valentine’s’ is a sweet seasonal story to share with the littlest of readers. Babies and toddlers will adore the cute characters and the simple, repetitive text. Ollie the gosling’s Valentine story is a message not only about friendship but also about being your own friend (and Valentine) too!
Recommended Ages: 0–3 years
I Need A Hug By Aaron Blabey
Aaron Blabey is the well-known children’s author of “Pig the Pug” and “Thelma the Unicorn”. He is also the mastermind behind ‘The Bad Guys‘ chapter series and movie franchise. All of Blabey’s books are wildly popular at my library. His success continues in this fun picture book called ‘I Need a Hug’. The book is about a little porcupine insearch of a hug from his friends. As can be expected, no one is brave enough to cuddle the spikey little critter. Until that is our porcupine friend meets a snake insearch of a kiss.
Why Kids Love ‘I Need A Hug’: Blabey’s animal illustrations are endearing, the pages are bright and colorful, and the text is simple and sweet—just a few reasons why this Valentine-esque picture book lands as one of our favorites to read with kids. When all the other animals are afraid of the porcupine’s differences, he meets another animal that has also been turned away. ‘I Need a Hug’ conveys to children that even the scariest beings can desire love and affection.
Happy Valentine’s Day, Charlie Brown By Charles Schultz
Charlie Brown has made a Valentine’s Day card for the ‘little red-haired girl. As usual, poor Charlie lacks the confidence to deliver the card and admit his love for the ever-elusive girl with red hair. The smitten boy visits each of his friends for advice, only to find they are all preparing for Snoopy’s Valentine’s party. A party he wasn’t invited to! Distraught Charlie Brown pays a visit to his sneaky dog only to find Snoopy is up to his usual tricks.
Why Kids Love ‘Happy Valentine’s Day, Charlie Brown’: Classic Peanuts hijinks with all the favorite characters in the gang in this top picture book to read with your kids this Valentine’s Day. Pig Pen, Linus, Lucy, Sally, and Peppermint Patty are all in attendance in this classic story. This version of ‘Happy Valentine’s Day, Charlie Brown’ is a ‘ Ready to Read’ picture book. It would be perfect for a beginner reader to take home this Valentine’s Day. I also included the Peanut gang in my list of ‘Best Fall Picture Books’, as it would seem Charlie Brown is a quintessential part of most holidays. After all, Peanuts are a pop culture classic sure to endure many more years in our hearts.
Little Blue Truck’s Valentine By Alice Schertle
The Little Blue Truck series of picture books is a favorite with little ones at my library. At home, we own this heart-filled selection, ‘Little Blue Truck’s Valentine’. This story is an interactive touch-and-feel board book with shiny Valentine’s, reflective mirrors, and a large lift-the-flap. Don’t all kids love lifting flaps? Repetitive and rhyming, ‘Little Blue Truck’s Valentine’ takes us on a fun farm tour. The famous truck chugs along, encountering various animal friends. As the little blue truck delivers his Valentine’s.
Why Kids Love Little Blue Truck’s Valentine: Beautifully illustrated by Jill McElmurry, ‘Little Blue Truck’s Valentine’ is a picture book you will want to pull out and reread with your kids again and again. There is so much detail to her artwork, and each of the animals’ Valentine’s cleverly reflects their personality. ‘Little Blue Truck’s Valentine’s’ has all the components that make a book a favorite. Fun characters, rhyming text, engaging sound effects, interactive touch-n-feel pages, and of course, trucks! Your child will love the use of color in this tale, as each Valentine’s glossy coloring matches its animal recipient. This title isn’t just among the best Valentine’s picture books; it’s also one of the most popular board book series.
Recommended Ages: 0–4 years
Love Splat By Rob Scotton
Adored storybook cat, Splat, is making kids laugh again in this Valentine’s Day adventure. Poor Splat fears everything, and this Valentine’s Day, he is afraid of giving his crush, a white cat named Kitten, his Valentine’s Day card. Splat has taken such care to get ready for his class’s party. Why? Because he has an extra-special Valentine to deliver. But poor Splat changes his mind when he sees Kitten receiving another Valentine from cool cat Spike. Will Splat overcome his fears and deliver his Valentine to Kitten, or will it end up in the trash?
Why Kids Love ‘Love Splat‘: Yet another popular book series in our children’s library is ‘Splat the Cat’. Children love his silly adventures; parents love his heartwarming tails…errr tales. Splat’s big eyes and scraggly fur make him hard not to love. This endearing book is a great way to discuss feelings of being scared, embarrassed, and making friends. ‘Love, Splat’ is a sweet and funny read to share with your kids this Valentine’s Day. Learn more about Splat books and author Rob Scotton here.
Recommended Ages: 4–8 years
Berenstain Bears Extra Special Valentine By Jan And Stan Berenstain
How can you not mention a Berenstain book in a favorite book list! These classic children’s books certainly capture all the special moments of childhood, and the school Valentine’s Day party is no exception. When Sister Bear catches Brother Bear hiding a special Valentine’s Day card to take to school, she can’t help but think it’s for a girl cub. But when Brother does not hand out the special card at school, Sister is confused. Who is Brother’s extra special Valentine for?
Why Kids Love ‘Berenstain Bears Extra Special Valentine‘: I haven’t met a child or parent who doesn’t enjoy a Berenstain Bears story. I read them when I was growing up, 40 years ago, and now my children read them too. ‘Extra Special Valentine’ is an easy reader, once again, for those children just beginning to read on their own. The Berenstain Bears also have ‘Valentine Blessing’ and ‘Funny Valentine’ in their library for your Valentine’s Day storytime needs. The Berenstain Bears make our list of the best Valentine’s Day books, and with a treasure trove of titles focusing on other holidays, it’s a great series to add to your seasonal reading for many popular holidays!
Recommended Ages: 4–8 years
Click, Clack, Moo, I Love You By Doreen Cronin
If you’ve read any books in the series ‘Click, Clack, Quack’, you know the kids love them for their humorous barnyard adventures. Doreen Cronin’s books are New York Times Bestsellers and very popular at my small-town library. In this story, little duck is hosting a Valentine’s dance for her farmyard friends. She cleans and decorates the barn. She makes glittery Valentine’s for all the animals. The animals arrive with food, and the barn is alive with animals dancing. Out in the field, Little Fox hears the music. He follows the trail of streamers and balloons to the farm. What will happen when a fox shows up at a farmyard party?
Why Kids Love ‘Click, Clack, Moo, I Love‘: ‘Click, Clack, Moo I Love You’ is such a fun little story. Did I mention cows didn’t attend the dance as they had a ‘more formal affair’? Kids will love the sparkly details of the illustrations, giving off the shimmering Valentine’s vibes. I also chose this picture book as one of my family’s Valentine’s Day favorites because it delivers a subtle message of inclusion and diversity. Something we want children to see and feel, even in a silly book. In my ‘favorite reads for starting kindergarten’, I also chose a book from the ‘Click, Clack, Quack’ series; you can learn about ‘Click, Clack, Quack to School’ here.
Recommended Ages: 3–7 years
Love By Stacy McAnulty
What is ‘love’? Children will find out in this picture book by Stacy McAnulty, as it captures all the ways we show L-O-V-E. The illustrations by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff depict families sharing love through food, music, art, gift-giving, and, of course, affection. ‘Love’ is the perfect picture book to share with young children this Valentine’s Day. The pages are filled with all of our typical ‘heart day’ traditions like baking, making cards, and delivering flowers.
Why Kids Love ‘Love’: I love the book ‘Love’ not just for Valentine’s Day but every day! The illustrations are inclusive, spanning generations, ethnicities, and cultures. Everyone can see themselves and their families (or friends) in this picture book. Children will be inspired to create gifts for their loved ones, to start traditions with their families, and to express their feelings to those they LOVE! It is a great reminder for all readers that nothing else matters without love.
Recommended Ages: 4–8 years
Katy Duck And The Secret Valentine By Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Sweet Katy Duck has received a Valentine’s card in the mail. The card comes with hearts and flowers, but also a mystery. Who has sent Katy this special Valentine? When Katy’s friend Ralph arrives at the door, the two work together to prepare Katy’s Valentine’s to hand out. They make a special one for Katy’s secret admirer as they try to figure out who sent Katy the sparkly card.
Why Kids Love ‘Katy Duck And The Secret Valentine’: Katy Duck books by Alyssa Satin Capucilli are early readers from the ‘Ready to Read’ series. I love ‘Ready to Reads’ for children just learning to read full sentences on their own, and children love them for the independence they bring to their growing ability to read on their own! I selected this picture book for my Valentine’s list as it is a great way to share a seasonal story with your new reader. The tale also shares a sweet story between friends. Perhaps your little reader will be introduced to more Katy Duck adventures through her ‘Secret Valentine’ story.
Recommended Ages: 4–6 years
The Bookstore Valentine By Barbara Maitland
Mr. Brown and his cat, Cobweb, own a bookstore called The Black Cat. But this bookstore only sells books about ghosts and hauntings. Why? Because the store has its very own ghost amongst the shelves. For Valentine’s Day, Mr. Brown has decided to advertise a special sale. The sale ends up being so popular that he needs to hire an assistant…enter Miss Button, the perfect assistant, in Mr. Brown’s eyes. Miss Button loves both ghosts and cats! The bookstore may not sell books about love, but will a love match happen in ‘The Bookstore Valentine’? And who is this bookstore ghost anyway?
Why Kids Love ‘The Bookstore Valentine’: ‘The Bookstore Valentine’ is a great seasonal read for children in grades 1-3. It is an easy reader but has more advanced text for growing readers. ‘The Bookstore’ series has more adventures of Mr. Brown and Cobweb available if parents find this is a good fit for their child. I chose this picture book for one of my top Valentine’s Day suggestions as it caters to a slightly older age group. Still, lots of darling and bright illustrations to keep a child’s attention as they navigate longer sentences and paragraphs on their own.
Recommended Ages: 6–9 years
Groundhug Day By Anne Marie Pace
I discovered this picture at our library just this year. As the title suggests, the story is a cross between Groundhog Day and Valentine’s Day, which made me love it instantly. The forest animals are planning a Valentine’s Day party, but are concerned when they realize that the groundhog may not be able to attend. You see IF groundhog wakes up on February 2nd and sees his shadow, he will disappear for 6 more weeks and miss February 14th altogether. The animals devise a plan to prevent Groundhog from seeing his shadow and going back underground. Will their plan work?
Why Kids Love ‘Groundhug Day’: I am in love with the illustrations in Christopher Denise’s book. His work brings the characters to life in a realistic but charming way. Kids will love how the animals try to trick Groundhog into not seeing his shadow. The story also has a twist, leaving Groundhog staying underground for 6 more weeks. When he does reappear in the Spring, will the animals finally get together for a party, or will another friend now be too busy underground, preparing for Easter? Love the picture book ‘Groundhug Day’ for all ages!
Recommended Ages: 4–8 years
Bad Kitty Does Not Like Valentine’s Day By Nick Bruel
Here is another book about a silly black cat! ‘Bad Kitty’ is an extremely popular children’s chapter and picture book series. Author Nick Bruel knows how to entertain kids with Bad Kitty’s naughty hijinks. In this favorite picture book for Valentine’s Day, Bad Kitty is disappointed that he has not received any Valentine cards from her friends. The narrator reminds Bad Kitty of all the trouble she has caused over the last few holidays…. stealing Easter Eggs, knocking over the Christmas tree, eating all the Thanksgiving turkey. Bad Kitty is also reminded that she needs to give Valentine’s to receive. Will Bad Kitty turn over a new leaf and behave this Valentine’s Day?
Why Kids Love ‘Bad Kitty Does Not Like Valentine’s Day’: What kid doesn’t love making mischief, and Bad Kitty is one mischievous kitten. Our family loves Bad Kitty books because they are fun, silly, and entertaining. The illustrations are bright and capture the essence of this naughty black cat. As a mom, I appreciate Nick Bruel’s work, which carries children from preschoolers to school-aged readers. When you find something they enjoy reading, it’s amazing to see them grow in character.
Recommended Ages: 4–8 years
Hugs & Kisses For The Grouchy Ladybug By Eric Carle
The fabulous Eric Carle is well-known to any parent with a toddler. His book ‘The Hungry Caterpillar’ is a staple for many children’s bookshelves. The cover of ‘Hugs & Kisses for the Grouchy Ladybug’ is giant X’s and O’s in bright reds and pinks, making it the perfect picture book to display this time of year. In this simple book, it’s the illustrations that tell the story. All the animals show the effects of receiving hugs and kisses… even the grouchy ladybug.
Why Kids Love ‘Hugs & Kisses For The Grouchy Ladybug’: In this Eric Carle classic, we meet a new slew of animals. Babies and toddlers will love pointing out the pictures of the blushing lizard, the smiling alligator, the clapping seal, and the jumping kangaroos. If you have a wee one at home and want to begin your Valentine’s book collection, ‘Hugs & Kisses for the Grouchy Ladybug’ is a wonderful start.
Recommended Ages: 0–3 years
Little Bear’s Valentine By Else Homelund Minarik
Classic Little Bear by Else Homelund Minarik has been a cherished storybook character since the 1950’s. In ‘Little Bear’s Valentine’, we follow the wee bear throughout the countryside as he delivers his handmade cards to his friends. He has made one for Emily, Hen, Owl, Duck, and one very special Valentine for his mother. On his walk, Little Bear discovers a card with no name on it; does he have a secret admirer? Who could it be?
Why Kids Love ‘Little Bear’s Valentine’: Little Bear’s Valentine makes my favorite Valetnie’s Day picture book list because it is so darn nostalgic. Its classic watercolor illustrations remind me of the books I read as a child. They take me back to a simpler time. Perhaps your child is familiar with Little Bear from the television show or other picture books. Or perhaps they have yet to meet him and his friends. If you want to rediscover Little Bear with your family, check your local library for ‘Little Bear’s Valentine’ this winter and find out who his secret admirer is together.
Recommended Ages: 3–6 years
Henry And The Valentine Surprise By Nancy Carlson
It is Valentine’s Day tomorrow for Henry’s class. The kids are very excited about their school party. They prepare their Valentine’s cards to distribute along with their candy hearts. But Henry and his classmates are intrigued by a large heart-shaped box in the classroom. It can’t be for their teacher’s girlfriend; “teachers never leave school.” As the kids play detective, they consider who the special box may be for, or whether it will be for one of them.
Why Kids Love ‘Henry And The Valentine Surprise’: This Valentine’s Day picture book will give parents a chuckle. In fact, ‘Henry and the Valentine Surprise’ would be a great book to read in the classroom. The book depicts what many school-aged kids imagine, that teachers live at school and couldn’t possibly have a life outside of school. The story, by Nancy Carlson, also raises the idea that boys and girls can exchange Valentine’s out of friendship rather than love. And I think that is a good reminder for kids. We also like this book for the unexpected surprise that is in that heart-shaped box…I won’t spoil the ending!
Recommended Ages: 5–8 years
Valentine’s Day Is Here By Matt Mitter
‘Valentine’s Day is Here’ is a part of the ‘Little People‘ book collection. This picture book is chock-full of lift-the-flaps, as most of the Little People books in this hardcover series tend to be. In this story, the boys and girls are preparing for Valentine’s Day. Kids can follow the Little People characters as they shop in town, bake cookies, make Valentine’s cards, decorate their classrooms, and exchange gifts. The last page is a giant box of chocolates, each one a flap to open for small hands.
Why Kids Love ‘Valentine’s Day Is Here‘: These Little People books were always among my kids’ favorites; they would spend hours flipping through the numerous lift-the-flap pages. A bonus to this interactive book is several pages of simple look-and-find challenges amongst the lift-the-flap images. The illustrations are bright, glossy, and familiar. Many children will recognize the characters from their toys at school, home, and daycare. ‘Valentine’s Day is Here’ will definitely get your child excited about celebrating Valentine’s Day.
January and February are the perfect months to stay in from the cold (and boy has it been cold here!) and snuggle with a storybook. I have tried to include the best Valentine’s Day picture books and easy readers suitable for children of various ages in this list. Interactive, fun, silly, and, most importantly, sweet, these picture books offer something for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. I love Valentine’s Day, as I love celebrating love! But February 14th is also the perfect time to break out of the winter blues by pulling out the hearts, flowers, chocolates, and the most vibrant pink and red books! Happy heart day, everyone. Enjoy your time reading about love!