The Best Valentine's Day Picture Books
THE EASIEST WAY TO CELEBRATE VALENTINE'S DAY
In the past, the idea of celebrating a holiday would make me feel overwhelmed. I felt this way because I was making holidays too complicated. I’ve learned how to slow down, do less, and enjoy our homeschool more. Why couldn’t I apply this mindset shift to holidays?
So I did.
The easiest way to celebrate a holiday and still be intentional is through books. Books paired with a special treat is even better, but books by themselves create the best of memories.
Scroll down to see my top book picks for Valentine's Day.
1. WHAT IS GIVEN FROM THE HEART
| AUTHOR | Patricia C. McKissack |
| ILLUSTRATOR | April Harrison |
| RECOMMENDED FOR | All ages |
"Misery loves company,"" Mama says to James Otis. It's been a rough couple of months for them, but Mama says as long as they have their health and strength, they're blessed. One Sunday before Valentine's Day, Reverend Dennis makes an announcement during the service-- the Temples have lost everything in a fire, and the church is collecting anything that might be useful to them. James thinks hard about what he can add to the Temple's ""love box,"" but what does he have worth giving? With her extraordinary gift for storytelling, McKissack--with stunning illustrations by Harrison--delivers a touching, powerful tale of compassion and reminds us all that what is given from the heart, reaches the heart." Find it here.
Too busy to grab a copy? Watch it read here!
2. L is for Love
| AUTHOR | Greg Paprocki |
| ILLUSTRATOR | Greg Paprocki |
| RECOMMENDED FOR | Baby to 5 |
"Valentine’s Day is a time to reflect on the themes of love and friendship, and what better way to introduce toddlers to these concepts than with a new ABC volume from artist Greg Paprocki. The book’s 26 fully illustrated pages take aim just like Cupid’s arrow at lovebirds, sweethearts, BFFs, and secret admirers. Part of the BabyLit Alphabet Series." Find it here.
Too busy to grab a copy? Watch it read here!
3. ONE LITTLE BAG
| AUTHOR | Henry Cole |
| ILLUSTRATOR | Henry Cole |
| RECOMMENDED FOR | All ages |
"From a tall tree growing in the forest--to the checkout counter at the grocery store--one little bag finds its way into the hands of a young boy on the eve of his first day of school. And so begins an incredible journey of one little bag that is used and reused and reused again. In a three-generation family, the bag is transporter of objects and keeper of memories. And when Grandfather comes to the end of his life, the family finds a meaningful new way for the battered, but much-loved little bag to continue its journey in the circle of life." Find it here.
4. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, MOUSE!
| AUTHOR | Laura Numeroff |
| ILLUSTRATOR | Felicia Bond |
| RECOMMENDED FOR | Baby to 5 |
"This title follows Mouse as he makes valentines for all of his friends," said School Library Journal. "Each valentine is made to represent what he loves most about each of his friends, such as Pig 'because she's a good dancer' and Bunny 'because she's the best at hide-and-seek.' Budding artists and crafters will love this book, perfect for pairing with Valentine's Day activities. A surprise at the end adds to the read-aloud fun!" Find it here.
Too busy to grab a copy? Watch it read here!
5. SOMEBODY LOVES YOU, MR. HATCH
| AUTHOR | Eileen Spinelli |
| ILLUSTRATOR | Paul Yalowitz |
| RECOMMEND FOR | All ages |
"One wintry day, a postman delivers a mysterious package with a big pink bow to a lonely man named Mr. Hatch.
“Somebody loves you,” the note says.
“Somebody loves me!” Mr. Hatch sings as he dusts his living room.
“Somebody loves me!” Mr. Hatch whistles as he does his errands in town.
“But who,” Mr. Hatch wonders, “could that somebody be?”
After some time, Mr. Hatch discovers just who his secret admirer is and, in doing so, enjoys the biggest surprise of his life!" Find it here.
Too busy to grab a copy? Watch it read here!
6. Thank you, Mr. Falker
| AUTHOR | Patricia Polacco |
| ILLUSTRATOR | Patricia Polacco |
| RECOMMENDED FOR | 5-Adult |
Patricia Polacco is now one of America's most loved children's book creators, but once upon a time, she was a little girl named Trisha starting school. Trisha could paint and draw beautifully, but when she looked at words on a page, all she could see was jumble. It took a very special teacher to recognize little Trisha's dyslexia: Mr. Falker, who encouraged her to overcome her reading disability. Patricia Polacco will never forget him, and neither will we. Find it here.
Too busy to grab a copy? Watch it read here!
