Looking forward to celebrating Valentine’s Day with your little ones?
This curated selection of children’s books about Valentine’s Day has something for everyone—from sweet board books for toddlers to funny Valentine’s Day stories that will have kids giggling. You’ll find picture books about kindness and friendship, heartwarming tales that explore emotions, and diverse Valentine’s books for children that celebrate love in all its forms.
Standout titles like Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch, I Love You (Almost Always), and Eleven Words for Love will make storytime extra special this Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day Picture Books That Teach Kindness and Friendship
These Valentine’s books about kindness and friendship offer heartfelt lessons for young readers. Whether it’s sharing a hug, writing a thoughtful letter, or celebrating differences, these stories highlight the simple, meaningful ways we can show love and care.
I Love You (Almost Always): A Pop-Up Book of Friendship
by Anna Llenas
This beautifully crafted pop-up book explores the ups and downs of friendship through the story of Roly and Rita, two very different creatures who learn to appreciate each other’s quirks. Anna Llenas’s dynamic pop-up illustrations bring the characters to life, making this a visually stunning and thoughtful picture book about kindness. Fans of Llenas’s The Color Monster will enjoy her unique, expressive art style in this story about acceptance and understanding.
Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug
by Jonathan Stutzman, illustrated by Jay Fleck
Tiny T. Rex faces a big challenge: his tiny arms make giving hugs nearly impossible. But with determination and creativity, he finds a way to comfort his sad friend. This sweet and funny story highlights perseverance and empathy, making it a perfect friendship-themed Valentine’s Day book. Jay Fleck’s bright, playful illustrations add charm to Tiny’s heartwarming adventure.
The Hug (Hedgehog & Friends)
by Eoin McLaughlin, illustrated by Polly Dunbar
Hedgehog and Tortoise both need a hug, but their prickles and shells make it difficult—until they find each other. This tender story emphasizes the importance of connection and how friends can support one another in unexpected ways. Polly Dunbar’s soft, expressive illustrations complement this gentle Valentine’s book about kindness.
- The Hug Hedgehog & Friends Storybook Set – Bundle with 3 Hardcover Picture Books: The Hug, While We Can’t Hug, The Longe…
- This small mini series by Eoin McLaughlin set for kids and young readers contains 3 unique books children are sure to lo…
- These early reading books by McLaughlin follow the story of a porcupine and social distancing. A fun beautiful stoy for …
Plant a Kiss
by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
In this whimsical tale, a little girl plants a kiss in the ground and tends to it with care, watching as love grows and spreads. The simple, poetic text paired with Peter H. Reynolds’s vibrant illustrations makes this a joyful picture book about kindness and sharing. It’s a beautiful reminder that small acts of love can grow into something big.
Love Is
by Diane Adams, illustrated by Claire Keane
Love Is tells the story of a little girl who adopts a duckling, learning about the responsibilities and joys that come with caring for someone else. As the duckling grows, the girl learns that love also means letting go. Diane Adams’s gentle storytelling and Claire Keane’s soft illustrations make this a tender, heartfelt Valentine’s Day book about kindness and compassion.
- Adams, Diane
- Keane, Claire
Love Grows Everywhere
by Barry Timms, illustrated by Tisha Lee
This lyrical story follows a family that grows love in their community, not just through gardening, but through kindness and connection. The vibrant, diverse illustrations by Tisha Lee celebrate community and inclusivity, making this a standout friendship-themed Valentine’s Day book. It’s a perfect reminder that love and kindness flourish when shared.
The Love Letter
by Anika Aldamuy Denise, illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins
When a mysterious love letter is found, it passes from one animal to another, bringing joy and warmth along the way. This sweet story about the power of kind words and unexpected connections is beautifully illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins. It’s a charming picture book about kindness that shows how simple gestures can brighten someone’s day.
Read also:
The Biggest Valentine Ever
by Steven Kroll, illustrated by Jeni Bassett
Two friends, Clayton and Desmond, decide to make the biggest Valentine ever for their teacher, but disagreements threaten their project. Through teamwork and compromise, they learn the value of friendship and cooperation. This lighthearted story is a great Valentine’s book about friendship, perfect for classroom or home reading.
Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch
by Eileen Spinelli, illustrated by Paul Yalowitz
Mr. Hatch leads a quiet, lonely life until he receives an anonymous valentine that changes everything. As he begins to connect with his community, he discovers the transformative power of kindness and love. This classic story is a heartfelt Valentine’s book about kindness that resonates with readers of all ages.
The Valentine Bears
by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Jan Brett
Mr. and Mrs. Bear usually hibernate through Valentine’s Day, but this year, they plan a surprise for each other. This sweet, gentle story about love and thoughtfulness is brought to life by Jan Brett’s detailed, cozy illustrations. It’s a perfect Valentine’s Day book about friendship and love for families to share.
Adorable Valentine’s Day Board Books for Toddlers to Celebrate Love and Cuddles
Discover the sweetest Valentine’s Day board books for toddlers! These charming, love-filled stories are perfect for little hands, making them ideal for your baby’s first Valentine’s Day celebration.
Besos for Baby: A Little Book of Kisses
by Jen Arena, illustrated by Blanca Gomez
This charming bilingual board book is perfect for a baby’s first Valentine’s Day. Besos for Baby follows a sweet baby receiving kisses from family and friends, blending English and Spanish seamlessly. Blanca Gomez’s vibrant illustrations add warmth and joy, making it a standout among Valentine’s Day board books for toddlers. If you enjoy this, check out Gomez’s City Moon for similarly cozy illustrations.
- Arena, Jen
- Gomez, Blanca
If Animals Said I Love You
by Ann Whitford Paul, illustrated by David Walker
Following the beloved If Animals Kissed Good Night, this board book imagines how animals around the world might say “I love you.” The rhythmic, rhyming text paired with David Walker’s soft, comforting illustrations makes this a bedtime favorite. It’s a sweet and playful choice for toddlers who love animals and cuddles.
Hello, Love!
by Taro Miura
Hello, Love! is a delightful, minimalist board book introducing toddlers to animal sounds with a loving twist. Miura’s bold, graphic illustrations keep young readers engaged, while the repetitive text helps with early language skills. This simple yet heartwarming read is perfect for babies and toddlers celebrating Valentine’s Day.
I Love You, Spot
by Eric Hill
Spot the dog has been a toddler favorite for generations, and I Love You, Spot continues that tradition. This board book features Spot sharing sweet moments with his mom, perfect for a cozy Valentine’s Day read. The lift-the-flap format adds interactive fun, making it ideal for little hands.
I Love You Through and Through
by Bernadette Rossetti Shustak, illustrated by Caroline Jayne Church
This bestselling board book celebrates unconditional love, exploring all the different moods and quirks that make children unique. The repetitive, comforting text is perfect for reading aloud, while Caroline Jayne Church’s signature illustrations bring warmth and charm. If you enjoy Church’s heartfelt style, Goodnight, I Love You is another wonderful read.
- Rossetti-Shustak, Bernadette
- Church, Caroline Jayne
How Many Do I Love You? A Valentine Counting Book
by Cheri Love-Byrd
Combining early counting skills with loving affirmations, this padded board book is both educational and sweet. Each page uses playful rhymes to count expressions of love, making it an engaging read for toddlers learning numbers. Parents appreciate its sturdy pages and bright, cheerful illustrations.
- Cheri Love-Byrd
- Cottage Door Press
- Mei Støyva
Peekaboo: Love
by Camilla Reid, illustrated by Ingela P. Arrhenius
Part of the Peekaboo You series, Peekaboo: Love is an interactive board book with sturdy flaps and die-cut holes that engage little readers. Ingela P. Arrhenius’s retro-inspired illustrations are bright and inviting, making it a hit with toddlers who love exploring. It’s a playful choice for Valentine’s Day and fits beautifully with other titles in the series like Peekaboo: Apple.
Llama Llama I Love You
by Anna Dewdney
From the beloved Llama Llama series, this board book follows Llama Llama as he shares valentines with friends and family. Dewdney’s signature rhyming text and familiar characters make this a comforting and joyful read for toddlers. It’s a wonderful way to introduce little ones to Valentine’s Day traditions.
Save for Later:
Heartfelt Valentine’s Day Books That Help Kids Explore Love and Emotions
Help your little ones understand their feelings with these Valentine’s Day books about emotions. These children’s books about love and feelings are perfect for sparking meaningful conversations and cuddly reading moments.
What Is Love?
by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Carson Ellis
In this beautifully written picture book, a young boy sets out to answer the question, “What is love?” by asking everyone he meets—from a fisherman to a cat. Each response offers a different perspective, encouraging children to think about love in its many forms. Carson Ellis’s distinctive illustrations add depth to the story, making it a thoughtful addition to children’s books about love and feelings. Mac Barnett fans will also enjoy his collaborations with Jon Klassen, like Sam & Dave Dig a Hole.
In My Heart: A Book of Feelings
by Jo Witek, illustrated by Christine Roussey
This vibrant, interactive picture book takes children on a journey through the heart, exploring a wide range of emotions from happiness to sadness and everything in between. The die-cut heart design on each page and Christine Roussey’s whimsical illustrations make it a visual treat. In My Heart is a standout among picture books about emotions, offering young readers a playful yet meaningful way to understand their feelings.
Love
by Lowell A. Siff, illustrated by Gian Berto Vanni
Originally published in the 1960s, Love is a poetic meditation on the nature of love, brought to life with Gian Berto Vanni’s abstract, colorful illustrations. The book explores love as both a feeling and an action, making it a reflective choice for older children or parents looking for a timeless picture book about love. The artistic style sets it apart from more conventional Valentine’s Day books, offering a unique take on the subject.
Troll
by Frances Stickley, illustrated by Stefano Martinuz
Troll tells the story of a lonely troll who longs for friendship but struggles with how to connect. Through gentle storytelling and evocative illustrations, this book explores themes of self-acceptance and emotional vulnerability. It’s a heartfelt addition to Valentine’s Day books about emotions, showing that love and friendship often begin with understanding oneself.
How to Love: A Guide to Feelings and Relationships for Everyone: A Graphic Novel
by Alex Norris
This inclusive graphic novel is a humorous yet insightful guide to navigating love and relationships. With relatable comics and thoughtful advice, it’s perfect for older kids and tweens starting to explore more complex emotions. Alex Norris’s playful illustrations make even the trickiest topics approachable, making this a standout among children’s books about love and feelings.
- Norris, Alex
- Norris, Alex
Hug Machine
by Scott Campbell
In Hug Machine, a little boy takes it upon himself to hug everyone and everything he meets—from people to animals to objects. Scott Campbell’s endearing illustrations and simple, heartfelt text celebrate the joy of physical affection and emotional connection. This book is perfect for younger readers and stands out in the world of picture books about love for its playful, universal message.
Day It Rained Hearts
by Felicia Bond
When hearts start falling from the sky, Cornelia Augusta collects them and thoughtfully crafts valentines for her friends. This whimsical story highlights creativity, kindness, and emotional expression, making it a beloved choice for Valentine’s Day. Felicia Bond, known for illustrating If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, brings the same warmth to this timeless Valentine’s Day book about emotions.
From Archie to Zack
by Vincent X. Kirsch
This tender picture book tells the story of Archie, who writes love letters to his best friend Zack but struggles to deliver them. The book delicately explores themes of friendship, identity, and self-expression, making it an important addition to children’s books about love and feelings. Vincent X. Kirsch’s soft illustrations add to the heartfelt tone, and the story resonates with kids navigating big emotions.
Save for Later:
Multicultural and Diverse Valentine’s Day Books to Celebrate Love in All Forms
These diverse Valentine’s books for children showcase love across different cultures, families, and traditions. Perfect for fostering empathy and inclusivity, these stories highlight the many ways love is expressed around the world.
Eleven Words for Love: A Journey Through Arabic Expressions of Love
by Randa Abdel-Fattah, illustrated by Maxine Beneba Clarke
This beautifully illustrated picture book introduces children to eleven unique Arabic words for love, each representing a different form of affection, from family bonds to romantic connections. Maxine Beneba Clarke’s rich, textured illustrations bring warmth and cultural depth to this inclusive Valentine’s Day story. It’s perfect for families looking to explore global expressions of love and language.
- Abdel-Fattah, Randa
- Clarke, Maxine Beneba
Under the Love Umbrella
by Davina Bell, illustrated by Allison Colpoys
Under the Love Umbrella is a gentle, poetic reminder that love is always present, even when we feel alone. The vibrant, diverse illustrations showcase children of all backgrounds, emphasizing that love transcends distance, fear, and uncertainty. This book is a beautiful addition to any collection of diverse Valentine’s books for children, offering reassurance and warmth.
Ten-Word Tiny Tales of Love
by Joseph Coelho, various illustrators
This unique collection of stories tells tales of love in just ten words, each accompanied by illustrations from a range of diverse artists. The brevity of the text invites young readers to interpret and imagine, while the artwork reflects a wide array of cultures and styles. It’s a creative and inclusive take on Valentine’s Day, perfect for sparking conversations about love in all its forms.
All the Beating Hearts
by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Cátia Chien
All the Beating Hearts is a poetic celebration of the shared human experience, focusing on the connections that bind us together. Cátia Chien’s ethereal illustrations highlight the diversity of people and places, creating a book that feels both intimate and universal. It’s a gentle, reflective story about empathy and love, perfect for inclusive Valentine’s Day reading.
Springtime Storks: A Migration Love Story
by Carol Joy Munro, illustrated by Chelsea O’Byrne
This beautifully illustrated story follows two storks on their migratory journey, weaving together themes of love, family, and nature. The story introduces young readers to the concept of migration and the universal nature of love, regardless of species or geography. Chelsea O’Byrne’s delicate illustrations bring this tender narrative to life, making it a thoughtful addition to diverse Valentine’s Day books for children.
Worm Loves Worm
by J.J. Austrian, illustrated by Mike Curato
In this sweet and simple story, two worms decide to get married, but their friends keep asking, “Who will be the bride, and who will be the groom?” The worms respond with, “It doesn’t matter,” showing that love doesn’t have to follow traditional rules. This inclusive picture book gently introduces themes of acceptance and love beyond gender norms, making it a perfect Valentine’s Day story for children of all backgrounds.
Save for Later:
Quirky and Funny Valentine’s Day Books for Kids That Will Make You Smile
Looking for funny Valentine’s Day books for kids? These humorous Valentine’s stories bring laughter, unexpected twists, and playful takes on love and friendship—perfect for kids who prefer giggles over gushy moments.
I Love You Already!
by Jory John, illustrated by Benji Davies
Bear is perfectly content spending the day alone, but his overly enthusiastic neighbor, Duck, has other plans. This odd-couple friendship brings out plenty of laughs as Duck tries to win Bear’s affection in the most persistent ways. Jory John’s witty writing combined with Benji Davies’s expressive illustrations make this a hilarious addition to any Valentine’s Day reading list. If you love this dynamic, check out their other adventures in Goodnight Already!.
Here Comes Valentine Cat
by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Claudia Rueda
Cat is not a fan of Valentine’s Day—especially when he has to make a card for Dog, his new neighbor. This funny, sarcastic tale unfolds through Cat’s expressive body language and clever illustrations, as he learns a thing or two about unexpected friendship. A perfect pick for kids who like their Valentine’s stories with a side of humor.
Valensteins
by Ethan Long
The lovable monster gang from Frankenstein Doesn’t Wear Earmuffs! is back, and this time, they’re tackling Valentine’s Day. When Fran K. Stein starts cutting out paper hearts, his monster friends are horrified—until they realize love might not be so scary after all. With witty dialogue and quirky illustrations, Valensteins is a fun, offbeat Valentine’s read.
How to Catch a Loveosaurus: A Valentine’s Day Adventure
by Alice Walstead, illustrated by Andy Elkerton
Part of the How to Catch series, this book takes kids on a wild, hilarious adventure as they try to catch the elusive Loveosaurus. The rhyming text and vibrant illustrations make it an engaging, laugh-out-loud story for young readers. It’s perfect for dinosaur lovers who enjoy a silly twist on Valentine’s Day traditions.
Crocodiles Need Kisses Too
by Rebecca Colby, illustrated by Penelope Dullaghan
This playful story reminds readers that even the most unexpected creatures—like crocodiles—need love and affection. The humorous text and whimsical illustrations make it a fun read for kids, while also delivering a sweet message about acceptance and compassion. A great choice for families looking for a funny yet heartfelt Valentine’s book.
This Is Not a Valentine
by Carter Higgins, illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins
A boy insists that his thoughtful gifts to a classmate are not valentines—despite how special they are. With a quirky narrative and charming illustrations, this story is perfect for kids who prefer a non-traditional take on Valentine’s Day. It’s a sweet, humorous exploration of friendship and affection, without all the typical hearts and flowers.
Love from The Crayons
by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
The beloved crayons from The Day the Crayons Quit return to show how love comes in all colors and forms. Whether it’s a bright red heart or a gloomy gray hug, the crayons hilariously explore the many shades of love. Drew Daywalt’s clever writing and Oliver Jeffers’s playful illustrations make this a funny and unique Valentine’s Day book for kids.
Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink
by Diane deGroat
Gilbert the opossum writes clever valentines for his classmates, but his sharp wit gets him into trouble. This humorous story explores how words can both hurt and heal, all wrapped in a fun Valentine’s Day classroom setting. Diane deGroat’s lively illustrations and relatable characters make this a perennial favorite for young readers.
Arthur’s Valentine
by Marc Brown
Arthur has a secret admirer, and he’s determined to find out who it is! His hilarious misadventures, from mistaken identities to awkward classroom moments, make this a delightful Valentine’s story. Marc Brown’s classic characters bring charm and humor, making Arthur’s Valentine a fun pick for fans of the series.
Save for Later:
