I love reading, and holidays are a great way to incorporate themed books into your reading! Here are my top 10 books you can read with your children or students this Valentine’s day!
Love Is by Diane Adams and illustrated by Claire Keane
This book is a sweet story about a girl and her baby duckling. From midnight feedings, to messy bathtimes, peaceful sleeping, and eventually letting her duckling return to the wild, this book shows how love grows and changes over time. Plus, the words are lyrical in nature, making for a beautiful read-aloud. And although this story is about a girl and her duckling, it parallels the relationship of a parent and child, giving it much deeper meaning and touching on many aspects of love.
I’ll Love You Till the Cows Come Home by Kathryn Cristaldi and illustrated by Kristyna Litten
What child wouldn’t love a book where cows fly spaceships, yaks drive fire trucks, wolves hang out in hot air balloons, and frogs ride unicycles? This book is packed full of animals doing all sorts of unusual and fun actions, with wonderfully detailed illustrations to go with each! Not only is the book exciting and fun, but the message of love also rings loud and clear, page after page!
Love Monster by Rachel Bright
This is the story of a “funny-looking” monster who doesn’t feel he fits in, especially among all the adorably lovable kittens, puppies, and bunnies. Instead of moping about his lack of love, he sets out to find someone who will love him for who he is. But will he succeed? Readers will enjoy this “funny-looking” but adorable monster and his search for love!
How Do I Love Thee? By Jennifer Adams and illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal
The book begins with the first line of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's classic sonnet: "How do I love thee?/ Let me count the ways." It’s an adorable book showcasing three friends on their adventures in nature throughout a variety of seasons. The illustrations are beautiful, and the poetry showcases the many ways one can love!
Llama Llama I Love You by Anna Dewdney
Llama Llama is a beloved character in Anna Dewdney’s series, and Llama Llama I Love You is a great book for Valentine’s Day! The text is simple, rhyming, and fun, as Llama Llama makes and sends valentines with his friends and family. Plus, it’s available in board book format for even the youngest readers!
Love, Splat by Rob Scotten
If you haven’t checked out a Splat book yet, now is the time! Splat is a hilarious cat in a multi-book series by Rob Scotten. In Love, Splat, it’s Valentine's Day, and Splat wants to look and act his best for his special friend Kitten. But when the classroom bully tries to outdo him, Splat worries Kitten won’t notice him. This story is full of surprises, hilarious antics, and of course, an adorable Valentine theme.
The Day it Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond
This beautiful story follows Cornelia Augusta on the day it rained hearts. She begins by catching them, but decides they’d be perfect to turn into cards! She takes great care to make the perfect card for each of her friends. I love that this story celebrates the “giving” aspect of the holiday— it might even inspire your little ones to make their own cards and show appreciation to those around them!
Ollie’s Valentine by Oliver Dunrea
Ollie’s Valentine is part of the Gossie and Friends collection. It features Ollie, an adorable little gosling who really wants a Valentine. He sees all of his friends with valentines, but will he get one? The text and illustrations are simple but charming, and the story is full of opportunities for silly voices! Plus, there’s a fun surprise at the end!
Happy Valentine’s Day, Mouse! by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond
For lovers of the “If You Give a Mouse” series, you’ll be grateful to know there’s a Valentines book, too! In this story, Mouse starts out by making valentines for his friends. As the story progresses, each page features one of Mouse’s friends, his creative valentine card for them, and the reason why he loves that friend. And when the doorbell rings at the end, there’s a fun surprise waiting for Mouse!
Love from the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Love from the Very Hungry Caterpillar is an endearing story full of lovely sayings like, “you are sweet,” “you are the bee’s knees,” “you make the stars sparkle,” and plenty more. With classic Eric Carle illustrations, it makes for a beautiful story to share with someone you love!
