Valentine's Day is the perfect time to share the love with your little ones through the magic of picture books. Whether your child is a toddler, preschooler, or early reader, here are three must-have stories for each age group that will make this holiday extra special.
For Toddlers (Ages 1-3)
1. I Love You to the Moon and Back by Amelia Hepworth
This gentle board book offers a tender message of love, perfect for toddlers. The simple text and sweet illustrations make it a great choice for bedtime or any loving moment with your little one.
2. Love from The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Eric Carle’s classic caterpillar returns to share the love with a heartwarming story thats perfect for toddlers. The vibrant illustrations and short, repetitive text make it engaging and easy to follow.
3. Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
This timeless classic tells the story of Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare, expressing their love for each other. The sweet, rhythmic text and gentle illustrations will help little ones understand the depth of love in a comforting way.
For Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)
1. The Day It Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond
In this whimsical story, Cornelia Augusta wakes up to find hearts falling from the sky! A fun and creative tale about sharing love and kindness, its perfect for sparking imagination and spreading joy on Valentine’s Day.
2. Valentine’s Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
This book is a playful take on the first-day-of-school jitters but with a Valentine’s twist. As Mrs. Hartwell prepares for her class party, young readers will enjoy the humor and find comfort in the idea that everyone can feel “nervous”even teachers.
3. How to Catch a Loveosaurus by Alice Walstead & Andy Elkerton
This Valentine’s adventure follows a group of kids as they try to catch the elusive Loveosaurus! With colorful illustrations, fun rhymes, and a lighthearted take on spreading kindness and love, this book is a hit with early readers.
For Early Readers (Ages 5-7)
1. Llama Llama I Love You by Anna Dewdney
This sweet story in the Llama Llama series is perfect for early readers. With simple, rhythmic text and adorable illustrations, it teaches the joys of showing love and appreciation, making it a wonderful read for young readers.
2. Happy Valentine’s Day, Mouse by Laura Numeroff
Mouse is preparing for Valentine’s Day, but things quickly get out of hand! Part of the “You Give a Mouse a Cookie” series, this book is fun and easy to read, with a story about love and friendship that kids will relate to.
3.Pete the Cat’s Groovy Guide to Love Valentine’s by Kimberly & James Dean
Pete the Cat is back for Valentine’s Day, and he’s got his groovy style ready to share love with his friends! This modern, popular title features Pete’s signature cool attitude and catchy rhymes, making it a fun and engaging choice for early readers.
A Sweet Endnote
These Valentine’s Day picture books are more than just stories they are tools to help little ones explore love, kindness, and friendship in a fun and engaging way. Whether you are reading to your toddler, preschooler, or early reader, these books are sure to bring extra warmth and joy to your Valentine’s Day celebrations. Which one will you be sharing this February?
