Book Lover: 16 Kids Books for Valentine’s Day

The Children’s Book Review | January 19, 2010

Valentine’s Day gives me another great excuse to promote kids books—not that I need one; I’ll jump at any opportunity to encourage reading—especially the reading of books that teach self-value or simply display ‘love’ to children. So, without further ado, here are some truly adorable and enjoyable books that offer up “that loving feeling,” and should get you some of that all important snuggle and bonding time with your kids.

The list progresses from board books to picture books to chapter books …

How Do Lions Say I Love You?

by Diane Muldrow (Author), David Walker (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Board book: 14 pages

Publisher: Golden Books; Brdbk edition (December 8, 2009)

Source: Publisher

Reasons to love it: This is the quintessential board book: beautiful illustrations and sweet-tempered rhyme. Delightful!

Hugaboo, I Love You

by Hans Wilhelm

Reading level: Ages 0-4

Hardcover: 16 pages

Publisher: Cartwheel Books (December 1, 2009)

Source: Publisher

Reasons to love it: Adorable illustrations and very cutesy text make this a great lift-the-flap book for the youngest readers (or listeners, if you prefer).

Mommy & Daddy Boxed Set

by Anne Gutman (Author), Georg Hallensleben (Illustrator)

Reading level: 0 – 4

Board books: 4 x 56 pages

Publisher: Chronicle Books; Brdbk edition (August 26, 2009)

Source: Publisher

Reasons to love it: Nothing cries “gift” like a box set. 4 VERY sweet stories for mommy, daddy, and baby, in a box that doubles as a photo frame or book end.

Where Is Love, Biscuit?: A Pet & Play Book

by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

Reading level: 0-4

Hardcover: 12 pages

Publisher: HarperFestival; Brdbk edition (November 24, 2009

Source: Publisher

Reasons to love it: Biscuit is such a faithful character—always charming and caring. Interactive touch-and-feel books are always winners.

My Heart Is Like a Zoo

by Michael Hall

Reading level: Ages 3-6

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Greenwillow Books (December 22, 2009)

Source: Bookstore

Reasons to love it: Vivid and eye-catching artwork displaying the emotions and feelings of the heart.

Kiss Kiss

by Selma Mandine

Reading level: Ages 3-6

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Golden Books (December 22, 2009)

Source: Publisher

Reasons to love it: The illustrations are bright and heart-warming, the text is fun and perky. I’m all for chocolate kisses!

You’re Lovable to Me

by Kat Yeh (Author), Sue Anderson (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 3-6

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers; 1 edition (December 22, 2009)

Source: Publisher

Reasons to love it: This story offers a beautifully sweet tale of the unconditionall love a mother has for her children—or bunnies. One of my favorites!

1, 2, I Love You

by Alice Schertle (Author), Emily Arnold McCully

Reading level: Ages 3-6

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Chronicle Books (August 5, 2004)

Source: Publisher

Reasons to love it: An endearing rhyming and counting tale of love, play, and slumber. The watercolor illustrations are precious!

How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?

by Jane Yolen (Author), Mark Teague (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 3-6

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: The Blue Sky Press (October 6, 2009)

Source: Publicist

Reasons to love it: Jane Yolen’s dinosaur series is one of my favorites, and this book does not disappoint. It displays the ups and downs that come with a day, but shows that love is always there.

What Sisters Do Best/What Brothers Do Best

by Laura Numeroff (Author), Lynn Munsinger (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 3-7

Hardcover: 44 pages

Publisher: Chronicle Books (September 16, 2009)

Source: Publisher

Reasons to love it: Two books in one: back-to-back fun! A great novelty gift for siblings.

K Is For Kissing A Cool Kangaroo

by Giles Andreae (Author), Guy Parker-Rees

Reading level: Ages 3-7

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks (December 1, 2009)

Source: Publisher

Reasons to love it: These
guys are one of my favorite author-illustrator combos. Andreae’s rhyme
is fun and zappy. Parker-Rees pictures are vibrant and energetic. This
is alphabet book is full of life and has plenty of fun and loving moments.

Henry in Love

by Peter Mccarty

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 48 pages

Publisher: Balzer + Bray (December 22, 2009)

Source: Bookstore

Reasons to love it: This pitch-perfect book captures the sweetness of an innocent crush. It’s playful and will melt your heart. Lovely illustrations.

Amelia Bedelia’s First Valentine

by Herman Parish (Author) and Lynne Avril (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Greenwillow Books (November 24, 2009)

Source: Publisher

Reasons to love it: Laughs for both parents and children, a sweet description of cupid, classic yet modern, and I loved this line: “She sure didn’t love him, but there was no reason not to like him.”

Calendar Mysteries #2: February Friend

by Ron Roy

Reading level: Ages 6-9

Paperback: 80 pages

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (December 22, 2009)

Source: Publisher

Reasons to love it: A great combination of friendship and mystery make this an engaging chapter book for Valentine’s Day and the whole month of February. The characters in this series are the younger siblings of the A to Z Mysteries kids.

Juliet The Valentine Fairy (Rainbow Magic)

by Daisy Meadows

Reading level: Ages 6-9

Mass Market Paperback: 176 pages

Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks; Special edition (December 1, 2009)

Source: Publisher

Reasons to love it: A girlie and magical chapter book with a highlight on the importance of getting along.

Along for the Ride

by Sarah Dessen

Reading level: Young Adult

Hardcover: 383 pages

Publisher: Viking Juvenile (June 16, 2009)

Source: Bookstore

An engaging narrative about connections and self-discovery.

In the event you still want more—more?—check out our Valentine’s picks from last year.

Leave us a comment: What’s your favorite children’s book to give on Valentine’s Day?