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 …
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!
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).
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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?