There’s no better way to spend a chilly winter afternoon then reading. And since Valentine’s Day is coming up, why not choose a holiday themed book (or three) to read with your kiddos?! Best thing? You don’t need to spend a dime since many of these books are available at your local branch of the Nashville Public Library. And bonus: these treats don’t contain sugar! So without further ado—in no particular order—fourteen favorite books for this day of love!
- Llama Llama I Love You by Anna Dewdney: a sweet story for Valentine’s Day where little Llama celebrates the day with hugs and cards for all. Best suited for the under 4 crowd.
- Love from The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle: it’s impossible not to love Eric Carle and his caterpillar friend. Celebrate all things love with this terrific book with anyone you love, big or small.
- Happy Valentine’s Day, Mouse! by Laura Numeroff: everyone’s favorite cookie-loving mouse makes Valentine’s Day cards for his animal friends. Great for preschoolers.
- Pete the Cat: Valentine’s Day Is Cool by James Dean: Pete the Cat learns how Valentine’s Day can be cool–and how it’s a great way to celebrate everyone in your life. This book does have extras like a poster, stickers, and cards so it’s a great option to add to your home library. An early reader targeted towards preschoolers and early elementary school.
- Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentime by Barbara Park: Junie has a secret admirer for Valentine’s—oops, I mean Valentime‘s Day. This chapter book for elementary school kids is cute and funny.
- The Day It Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond: a lovely book — by the illustrator of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie — about the day it rained hearts and what you should do in that situation. A great book for young children and elementary school alike.
- Love, Spat by Rob Scotton: this funny book talks about crushes, kittens, and friendship. Smart and a book the whole family will love on Valentine’s Day!
- Bloom!: A Little Book About Finding Love by Maria van Lieshout: this is definitely an adult story wrapped up in a children’s picture book, but those are the best for parents tired of reading the same old kid stories over and over again, right? What we love about this? The simplistic illustrations, the smart text, and the sweet theme of friendship.
- Groggle’s Monster Valentine by Diana Murray: a funny, whimsical Valentine’s Day tale. We haven’t read it personally, but it has great reviews and seems to be enjoyable for kids of all ages.
- Where Is Baby’s Valentine? by Karen Katz: for the littlest ones, this lift the flap book is a sweet introduction to the holiday.
- Ollie’s Valentine by Olivier Dunrea: Ollie searches for his special Valentine in this precious book for babies and toddlers.
- Nate the Great and the Mushy Valentine by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat: this chapter book features Nate the Great and his task to solve the mystery of Sludge’s secret Valentine… and Nate also grapples with his dislike of the mushy stuff.
- Zombie in Love by Kelly DiPucchio: Zombie lovers will love this book! And bonus: don’t miss Zombie in Love 2 + 1, which is somewhat of a spoiler alert because guess what? Mortimer the Zombie DOES find love! Please be aware that this may be too gross/disturbing for some children, so use caution if your children are squeamish or sensitive.
- Saint Valentine by Robert Sabuda: last but not least, a book about the origins of the holiday. A picture book that is great for elementary school age and up.
What are your favorite Valentine’s Day books?
