Valentine’s Day is one of our favorite holidays to celebrate because there are so many ways to give and share love. We hope that you enjoy reading these books that feature a variety of ways to love.
Love by Matt De La Peña shows readers many many shapes that love takes- from new parents smiling down at a baby, to sacrifices made by those who love us, to ways we get and give help, to self-love. I love reading this one with my kids because it shows many ways to get and give love.
I Need a Hug by Aaron Blabey is a cute story about a porcupine who wants a hug but whose friends are unwilling. Readers worry he won’t get a cuddle, until he meets a friend just as unconventional a cuddler as him. This one is quick and cute; perfect for a pre-bedtime read!
Pete the Cat: Valentine’s Day is Cool by Kimberly and James Dean is a super-cute story about how Pete the Cat doesn’t think Valentine’s Day is cool until his friend Callie reminds him it’s a good time to tell people what he likes about them. He uses the opportunity to tell everyone from he friends and family to the teachers and bus driver’s at school how much he appreciates them.
Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer shows lots of families loving each other in simple and complex ways. We love how Beers shows the different colors, shapes, and structures a family can take.
This Is Not a Valentine by Carter Higgins and illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins is tells the story of a kid telling a classmate how much he likes her, in unconventional ways that show both how well he knows her and how much he cares for her, in a way that is both cute and friendly. We love reading about how good friends can show love for each other.
Bell Hooks’ Homemade Love is a sweet story of a kid who knows she is loved- even in her imperfections- by her family. We love the imagery created with Hooks’ concise and descriptive text. It’s short and simple and powerful.