Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day picture books for your little ones? Check out our list of 15 heartwarming stories about love, friendship, and kindness, perfect for celebrating the holiday with your kids.
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about chocolates and roses—it’s the perfect opportunity to teach little ones about kindness, love, friendship, and empathy. Whether you’re looking for stories about friendship, love for family, or even sweet animal adventures, there’s a Valentine’s Day picture book out there to share the spirit of the season with your kids. Here are 10 adorable Valentine’s Day picture books that will warm your heart and help nurture important values in young readers.
Don’t feel like you need to own every one of these books. I always like to buy one new holiday book per holiday and then over the years you build a collection. But don’t forget to check your local library for fun seasonal and holiday picture books. You can even swap books with friends!
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1. “Love, Splat” by Rob Scotton
Splat the cat is back, and this time he’s dealing with his feelings on Valentine’s Day. As Splat works up the courage to give a Valentine’s Day card to his crush, he learns that love and friendship don’t have to be complicated. This sweet, humorous story is perfect for younger readers learning about love and expressing their feelings.
Why it’s great: Fun illustrations and a relatable storyline for kids just learning about love and friendship.
2. “The Day It Rained Hearts” by Felicia Bond
In this charming story, a little girl named Cornelia Augusta catches falling hearts in a rainstorm and decides to share them with her loved ones. From her parents to her friends, she spreads joy by creating unique heart-shaped gifts for each of them. This book beautifully captures the joy of giving.
Why it’s great: A gentle reminder of how simple gestures of love can brighten someone’s day.
3. “I Love You to the Moon and Back” by Amelia Hepworth
This heartwarming book features a little bear and his parent as they express their love for each other in various ways. The rhyming text and soft, cozy illustrations are perfect for bedtime or anytime snuggling with your little ones.
Why it’s great: It focuses on unconditional love and the bond between parent and child.
4. “Pete the Cat’s Groovy Imagination” by Kimberly & James Dean
While not specifically about Valentine’s Day, Pete the Cat’s adventurous spirit and positive attitude make it a great choice for any occasion. This story is filled with fun and creativity, and it shows that love and friendship are all about embracing one another’s uniqueness.
Why it’s great: It’s a fun and colorful book that encourages kids to embrace their creative side and love themselves.
5. “Valentine’s Day Is… “ by Gail Gibbons
For the little learners in your life, this simple, yet informative book about the history of Valentine’s Day is both educational and fun. It teaches children about the origins of the holiday, different ways people celebrate, and the importance of kindness and love.
Why it’s great: It’s a great educational tool for helping kids understand the cultural significance of Valentine’s Day.
6. “Love Monster” by Rachel Bright
Love Monster, a furry little creature who lives in a world full of strange creatures, sets out to find someone to love him. He soon discovers that love is found in the most unexpected places. This sweet story about self-acceptance and the power of love is perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Why it’s great: It teaches kids about accepting and loving themselves as they are.
If you like this book, check out Love Monster and the Last Chocolate!
7. “How to Be a Friend” by Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown
This is an excellent book for teaching children the values of friendship, sharing, and empathy. While not strictly about Valentine’s Day, it has an important message about how we can show love and respect to others in our daily lives.
Why it’s great: It helps kids understand the importance of being kind and considerate friends.
8. “The Biggest Valentine Ever” by Steven Kroll
This delightful story features two mice, Lily and Tilly, who want to make the biggest Valentine’s Day card ever for their friend, Henry. Through their teamwork, they learn valuable lessons about generosity, problem-solving, and love.
Why it’s great: A fun and engaging story that highlights friendship and teamwork.
9. “Love is My Favorite Thing” by Emma Chichester Clark
In this heartwarming book, a lovable dog named Plum discovers that love is a powerful force in all kinds of ways. Whether it’s through her family, friends, or simple moments of affection, Plum’s journey teaches kids about what love truly means. With its gentle storytelling and delightful illustrations, this book is sure to tug at the heartstrings.
Why it’s great: A tender and joyful story that highlights the many forms of love, with a lovable, relatable character.
10. “Little Blue Truck’s Valentine” by Alice Schertle
Join Little Blue Truck and his friends as they deliver Valentine’s Day cards to their barnyard friends in this interactive and delightful tale. With its fun rhyming text and colorful illustrations, this book is sure to be a hit with young readers.
Why it’s great: The rhythmic text and interactive format make it a great choice for toddlers and preschoolers.
11. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Mouse!” by Laura Numeroff
In this delightful addition to the beloved If You Give a Mouse a Cookie series, Mouse gets ready for Valentine’s Day with excitement, preparing cards for all his friends. Full of fun surprises and sweet illustrations, this story is perfect for celebrating the holiday with young children.
Why it’s great: The familiar charm of Mouse paired with a sweet Valentine’s theme makes this book a fun read for little ones.
12. “A Unicorn Named Sparkle and the Perfect Valentine” by Amy Young
Sparkle the unicorn is getting ready for Valentine’s Day, and she’s excited to share love with her friends. This endearing story is perfect for young children who believe in magic, and it’s a great way to introduce them to the idea of kindness and giving on Valentine’s Day.
Why it’s great: A whimsical, magical story about spreading love, with an adorable unicorn character.
13. “Tiny T. Rex and the Perfect Valentine” by Jonathan Stutzman
Tiny T. Rex is determined to give the perfect Valentine to his friend, but his tiny arms make it hard to do the things he wants to do! This charming, funny, and heartwarming story is about effort, friendship, and finding creative ways to share love.
Why it’s great: A hilarious and heartwarming story about doing your best for those you care about.
14. “Llama Llama I Love You” by Anna Dewdney
In this sweet addition to the Llama Llama series, Llama Llama shares his love with all the important people in his life, from family to friends. The warm, rhyming text and lovable characters make this a perfect read for little ones on Valentine’s Day.
Why it’s great: Llama Llama’s big heart makes this a perfect choice to show kids how love can be shared with everyone.
15. “Pete the Cat: Valentine’s Day is Cool” by James Dean
Pete the Cat is excited for Valentine’s Day, but when he gets a Valentine’s Day card from a friend, he’s unsure what to do with it. Through fun rhymes and Pete’s unique perspective, kids learn that Valentine’s Day is about the love you give and receive, and it’s all cool.
Why it’s great: A groovy, positive story about the spirit of giving and celebrating friendship.
Reading Valentine’s Day picture books is a wonderful way to foster emotional intelligence in young children. These books promote important themes such as kindness, friendship, empathy, and the simple joys of sharing love with others. Plus, they offer great bonding time for parents and kids as they curl up with a cozy story.
Conclusion
No matter how old your little ones are, Valentine’s Day picture books offer an ideal way to celebrate love in all its forms. Whether it’s through heartwarming stories about friendship, family, or self-love, these books can help kids develop important social and emotional skills that will stay with them long after the holiday has passed. So, grab a cozy blanket, a cup of cocoa, and dive into one (or more!) of these heartwarming reads this Valentine’s Day. Happy reading and Happy Valentine’s Day!
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