Valentine’s Day is one of the best holidays because it celebrates expressions of love, kindness, and friendship. Below is a collection of board books and picture books centered on these themes. The first five titles, which are smaller in size and include board books, are geared toward babies and toddlers. The remaining books are suitable for all ages unless otherwise noted.
Love from The Big Red Dog, by Norman Bridwell, is a small-sized book with a very big heart. This brightly illustrated, rhyming tale shows how two friends work together and value one another. The classic story features a hardcover and sturdy pages, making it perfect for tiny hands. The love between Emily and her pet dog is evident throughout the book.
Madeline Says Be Kind, based on the character created by Ludwig Bemelmans and illustrated by Steven Salerno, is a sweet story that highlights the value of kindness. When someone falls or help is needed with cleaning up, a kind friend is always there. The rhyming text reinforces caring feelings toward friends and reminds readers that being kind shows how much you care. It’s a lovely book to give to someone you value.
Love Can Be, by Yuli Yav and illustrated by Antonia Woodward, is a board book filled with expressions of adoration and affection. The gentle rhyming text shows that love can be expressed in many ways, quiet or loud, big or small. Whether it’s apples cut into slices with care or quiet moments spent together, the message is warm and reassuring.
Chicka Chicka I Love You, based on the classic Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault and illustrated by Julien Chung, is a delightful board book that cleverly reinforces letter recognition through rhyme. The loving message throughout centers on the affection felt for the reader. “I love you and you love me, the way we say it is L, O, V, E!”
Like So, by Ruth Forman and illustrated by Raissa Figueroa, has been recently formatted into a board book and emphasizes the deep bond between family and child, even during difficult moments. The illustrations are gorgeous and fill the open pages with warmth and emotion. The text beautifully compares love to nature; innate, wondrous, and infinite.
Speak Your Heart: A Coco and Bear Story, by Apryl Stott, is a stunning picture book featuring full-spread illustrations created with watercolor paint and digital ink. The story explores the importance of friendship and how to navigate challenges when emotions become complicated. The animal characters are charming and cozy, bundled in warm scarves that add to the book’s comforting feel.
On Our Way! What a Day!, by Janay Brown-Wood and illustrated by Tamisha Anthony, opens cleverly with end-pages that introduce six children, from youngest to oldest. The story follows their joyful journey as they gather small but meaningful gifts, such as a scritchy-scratchy pine cone, jingly-jangly quarters, and clicky-clacky stones, for their Gram’s birthday. Filled with onomatopoeia, rhythm, and heart, this lively story builds excitement and ends with a moment of pure joy.
Olive and Oscar: The Favorite Hat (Ready to Read Level One), by Ariel Bernstein and illustrated by Marc Rosenthal, is a fun and accessible read for new readers. Two adorable elephants are heading to the beach when Olive gives Oscar a new hat. What follows is a playful and endearing story that celebrates friendship and sharing, sure to bring smiles to young readers.
Valentines Are the Worst!, by Alex Willan, features a glittery, eye-catching cover and humorous end-pages that immediately set the tone. Gilbert the Goblet returns in this entertaining story about his dislike of holidays; this time, Valentine’s Day. As the story unfolds, Gilbert discovers something new about himself and ultimately changes his mind about the holiday. This book is especially fun to read aloud to children ages four through eight, with bright digital illustrations that enhance the humor and charm.
