The Best Valentine’s Day Picture Books!
Love is in the air, and what better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with a stack of delightful picture books?
We’ve gathered a list of our favorite stories that highlight love, kindness, and connection. From classic holiday favorites to heartwarming tales about love in all its forms, these books are perfect for February 14th and beyond.
Find a cozy spot, grab your favorite little reading buddy, and let’s dive into these lovable stories everyone will enjoy!
For more gift ideas, check out our Valentine’s Day Hub.
Valentine’s Day Picture Books
Crocodiles Need Kisses Too by Rebecca Colby
Despite their lumpy, bumpy hide,
toothy mouths stretched open wide
just like me and just like you
crocodiles need kisses too.
This playful, rhyming story is so much fun to read aloud! No matter how prickly the porcupine, slippery the snake, or scruffy the bear, every animal needs hugs and love from their mama.
Love Is by Diana Adams
A heartwarming tale of a girl and her duckling, showcasing their bond as they care for each other and grow together. When the time comes for the duckling to spread its wings and explore the world, it’s a touching reminder of the bittersweet journey of parenting.
Keep tissues handy, as the metaphor for parenting might bring a tear to your eye.
Meet February by April Martin
February is a lovable character who loves to teach kids about the month in a unique way. From her playful pet groundhog to celebrating Black History Month and crafting special Valentine’s cards for her friends, there’s lots to love about this month.
Mirabel’s Missing Valentines by Janet Lawler
Mirabel, a shy little mouse, is nervous about giving out Valentine’s cards, but she carefully makes them, adding a heart to each one. On her way to school, she hurries along, not noticing as her valentines slip out of her bag.
Luckily, the lost valentines brighten the day of everyone who finds them. With her cards returned and some new friends, Mirabel finds the courage to celebrate. This sweet story about overcoming shyness is sure to warm your heart.
The Little Puppy by Nicola Killen
When Grandma visits with her puppy, Milo, Ollie enjoys a delightful day with her new furry friend. From playing fetch to reading stories and creating a heartfelt gift for Grandma, Ollie’s day is filled with love and fun.
With beautiful die-cut pages, foil highlights, and pops of red and pink, this sweet book is a Valentine’s Day treat!
Love, Z by Jessie Sima
Robot Z had never heard the word “love” until he discovered a message in a bottle signed, “Love, Beatrice.” Curious and determined, he sets off on an adventure to find Beatrice and uncover the meaning behind the message. Along the way, Z meets many creatures eager to explain what love means, but none of it makes sense to him.
Finally, Z meets Beatrice herself, and discovers love was right where they started back at home.
Lola Dutch I Love You So Much by Kenneth Wright
Lola Dutch loves her friends so much—there’s no such thing as too much love! When her friends are feeling down, she knows just how to help: cozy pajamas for Gator, a reading nook for Crane, and a trip to the park for Pig!
But there’s one friend she’s forgotten—Bear! Can Lola find the perfect way to show him how much he means to her?
I’ll Love You Till the Cows Come Home by Kathryn Cristaldi
“I will love you till the cows come home from a trip to Mars through skies unknown, in a rocket made of glass and stone…I will love you til the cows come home.”
This sweet and funny book celebrates the endless depths of family love. Taking the phrase “I’ll love you till the cows come home” to hilarious new heights, it features yaks in Cadillacs, sheep setting sail, frogs on big-wheeled bikes, and more!
How to Say I Love You: Delightful Poems for Valentine’s Day by Mr. Boddington’s Studio
This unique book is a charming collection of love poems. Featuring a mix of classic favorites, hidden gems, and original pieces, this delightful selection of kid-friendly love poems is sure to warm the hearts of both parents and little ones.
Love, Escargot by Dashka Slater
Bonjour! It’s Snailentine’s Day, and Escargot, the dashing and charming snail, is off to a party, hoping to find his Snailentine. But when he arrives, he discovers the party is hosted by a vole, not a snail—oh no!
At first, Escargot feels like hiding in his shell, but maybe this unexpected twist will lead to a new friendship instead.
The Hug by Eoin McLaughlin
Hedgehog and Tortoise just want a hug, but every animal they meet turns them away. A wise owl explains to them that hedgehog is too spiky, and Tortoise is too bony. They both feel disheartened until they eventually find each other—and discover that there truly is someone for everyone!
The Love Letter by Anika Aldamuy Denise
Hedgehog, Bunny, and Squirrel are the best of friends. One day, they each find a letter they thought was for them. And not just any letter—a love letter! The letters make them feel so special and loved, but then they realize it was all a mix-up.
Fortunately, it’s the most marvelous mix-up of all!
Little Blue Truck’s Valentine by Alice Schertle
Join Little Blue as he spreads Valentine’s Day cheer, delivering cards to all his friends. While it feels great to give, Little Blue begins to wonder—will he get a Valentine too?
Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli
On Valentine’s Day, the postman delivers a mysterious package with a big pink bow to Mr. Hatch, a lonely and quiet man. This small surprise transforms his life in unexpected ways. But one day, Mr. Hatch discovers the package was delivered by mistake.
Without giving too much away, this heartwarming tale beautifully shows the power of simple acts of kindness. It is a story you’ll love all year.
Moo-Moo, I Love You by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
I love you no matter your moo-d. I love giving you a big s-moo-ch.”
If you’re tickled by cow puns (we couldn’t resist), this playful book is a must-read! It’s a heartwarming ode to the bond between a parent cow and their calf, with fun, silly text sure to have your little one giggling.
Love From the Crayons by Drew Daywalt
Your favorite crayon crew is back in this charming, love-themed spin-off that explores the many colorful shades of love. “Love is yellow and orange. Because love is sunny and warm.”
Just a heads-up—this book is smaller than the original, making it a perfect little gift!
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Rose by Lucille Colandro
There was an old lady who swallowed a rose.
I don’t know why she swallowed those rose
but that’s how it goes.
Everyone’s favorite old lady is back, swallowing all kinds of silly things to create a special Valentine’s gift! With its rhyming text and hilarious illustrations, this book—and the entire series—is a guaranteed favorite that kids will want to read again and again!
Harvey the Heart Had Too Many Farts by Jane Bexley
Poor Harvey—he’s just a little heart with a few too many farts, and it’s causing his friends to drift away! Can he ever find someone who loves him just the way he is?
Get ready to laugh your way through this rhyming tale filled with toot troubles and unexpected friendship–Perfect for anyone who enjoys a good dose of silly toot humor!
How to Catch a Loveosaurus by Alice Walstead
Can you catch the magical Loveosaurus? The How to Catch crew is back, this time chasing a dinosaur that’s busted out of the museum to spread love and kindness everywhere. Packed with wild traps, hilarious chaos, and a dash of STEAM fun, this adventure sparks imagination and lots of laughs!
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