Valentine's Day Books for Kids - Mom Life Made Easy

What are the best Valentine’s Day books for kids? I’m so glad you asked!

No holiday can pass me by without at least one (or a dozen!) themed books to go along with it, and Valentine’s Day hosts some of my favorite picture books! I’m not talking about lame books that tell lame stories and force the holiday theme upon you.

I’m talking about stories that are written with wit, charm, and filled with lovely illustrations! Valentine’s Day can be an annoying commercial holiday, or we moms can turn it into a sweet celebration of kindness & love for our family and friends!

Celebrate with the Best Valentine’s Day Books for Kids

The easiest way for me to build fun traditions around various holidays for my kids has been to find treasured books that became an anticipated part of each holiday celebration year after year.

Sometimes we check books out from the library, but we usually add 1-3 to our home library every year. Books make a great gift for any occasion!

I’ve compiled a list of the Valentine’s Day books we have come to love over the years, and a few newer books that we are enjoying for the first time this year. Find something you and your family will love!

The Valentine Bears by Eve Bunting (Author), Jan Brett (Illustrator)

This is a classic Valentine’s Day tale and it never gets old! It’s funny and sweet and my kids and I love to read this year after year! It started as one we would check out from the library, but I finally gifted our very own copy to the kids one year for Valentine’s Day!

The Day it Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond

If you’re like me, you recognize author/illustrator Felicia Bond’s name as the illustrator of the wildly popular If You Give A Mouse a Cookie series! This book is a sweet story all about being thoughtful in a simple way – no outrageous gifts, no complicated flower deliveries… this Valentine’s Day book is all about the precious value of a handmade card.

Hedgehugs by Steve Wilson (Author), Lucy Tapper (Illustrator)

This board book is soooooo cute! It’s not necessarily an exclusive to Valentine’s Day book, but I like pulling it out this time of year!

While it’s favored by my preschooler, my elementary-aged boys will still pick it up and read it because… it’s adorable! And cuteness is 75% of why I think Valentine’s Day is so fun. 🥰

Here Comes Valentine Cat by Deborah Underwood (Author), Claudia Rueda (Illustrator)

Cat lovers and dog lovers alike are sure to find a charming element to this story that is all about not being too quick to judge others. Heartwarming!

Love Is by Diane Adams (Author), Claire Keane (Illustrator)

There is something I simply adore about the illustrations in this Valentine’s Day book. It has a powerful message and sometimes I get a little bit teary when I read it!

Hug Machine by Scott Campbell

Know a hugger? This board book is for them! It’s a pretty funny story that’s built all around the simple power of a hug.

Cranberry Valentine by Wende Devlin (Author), Harry Devlin (Illustrator)

Secret, handmade Valentines? All with the intention of brightening up a community member’s day?! What’s not to love? A little mystery and a whole lot of sweetness are found in this Valentine’s Day book!

Plant a Kiss by Amy Krouse Rosenthal (Author), Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)

This cute story is written for anyone who likes a clever, uplifting tale. The entire premise is built around the phrase “plant a kiss.” Can such a thing be done? Read the story to find out!

I Heart You by Meg Fleming (Author), Sarah Jane Wright (Illustrator)

One final board book with charming illustrations to polish off this list! A simple story packed with tender feelings, and light watercolor illustrations that pair perfectly with the vibe of the text. This book is sweet all around!

Saint Valentine by Robert Sabuda

Anyone else have a child who’s always asking “Why?” 🙋‍♀️

This illustrated book is an introduction to the “why” behind Valentine’s Day (Saint Valentine’s Day, that is!). Parents should read it first in order to determine if their kids are ready for the reality that although the Valentine’s Day we celebrate is rather adorable, the martyr this holiday is named for suffered immensely.

All in all, it was a fascinating book and despite knowing about Valentine’s Day my whole life, I had never heard this information before. Absolutely recommend.

Valentine’s Day by Gail Gibbons

I believe this book is out of print, but you may still be able to find it at your local library, or my favorite place to find used books, Thriftbooks.com! That’s where the above link will take you. Gail Gibbons has a fun, inviting way of exploring the practical aspects of the world around us!

Good Morning To You, Valentine by Lee Bennett Hopkins (Editor), Tomie dePaola (Illustrator)

One more out of print (but available used for an affordable price) title, but what is Valentine’s Day without a little bit of poetry?! Older kids can make their own valentines for friends and copy a bit of poetry into them.

I have not been able to find a modern anthology of Valentine poems for kids, and so I really love this little collection, plus it’s illustrated by one of my favorites – Tomie dePaola!

Other Popular Valentine’s Day Books for Kids:

We haven’t checked these books out yet, but we know others who enjoy them (and we have enjoyed other books in the series’ these come from), so honorable mentions:

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