Valentine’s Day Books for Kids

Valentine’s Day is a perfect time to celebrate love and kindness with children. Whether you’re looking for sweet stories to share at bedtime, books to gift in bulk for school events, or thoughtful gifts for children in hospitals, there’s a Valentine’s Day book for every young reader. Below, we explore the best Valentine’s Day books for different age groups, along with unique gift ideas for kids outside the classroom.

Valentine’s Books for Toddlers

For the littlest readers, books with bright colors, simple text, and interactive elements are perfect. These books introduce the joy of Valentine’s Day through engaging stories and fun illustrations.

• “Where Is Baby’s Valentine?” by Karen Katz – A delightful lift-the-flap book that engages toddlers with its playful search for Baby’s Valentine.
• “Happy Valentine’s Day, Mouse!” by Laura Numeroff – Featuring the beloved Mouse from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, this book introduces the idea of sharing love and appreciation.
• “Llama Llama I Love You” by Anna Dewdney – A sweet rhyming board book perfect for little hands.
• “Hugs and Kisses for the Grouchy Ladybug” by Eric Carle – A classic board book about love and kindness featuring Carle’s signature illustrations.

Valentine’s Day Books for Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)

Preschoolers are ready for stories that emphasize friendship, love, and emotions. These books capture the spirit of Valentine’s Day with engaging plots and charming characters.

• “The Day It Rained Hearts” by Felicia Bond – A whimsical story about a girl who creates unique valentines for her friends.
• “Love from The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle – A heartfelt book featuring the classic caterpillar celebrating love.
• “Pete the Cat: Valentine’s Day Is Cool” by Kimberly & James Dean – Pete learns about the joy of expressing appreciation for his friends.
• “How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?” by Jane Yolen – A fun and humorous look at love and affection from playful dinosaurs.

Books for Preschoolers (Ages 3-5) About New Siblings

Valentine’s Day is also a great time to celebrate growing families. If your child is about to become a big brother or sister, these books can help ease the transition with love and reassurance.

• “I Am a Big Brother!” / “I Am a Big Sister!” by Caroline Jayne Church – A simple and heartwarming book about becoming an older sibling.
• “You Were the First” by Patricia MacLachlan – A touching story for firstborn children celebrating their unique place in the family.
• “Hello in There! A Big Sister’s Book of Waiting” by Jo Witek – A beautifully illustrated book about anticipation and love for a new baby.
• “Waiting for Baby” by Rachel Fuller – A gentle introduction to the idea of a new sibling coming into the family.

Valentine’s Day Books for Kids Ages 6-8

Older kids appreciate books with engaging characters, fun adventures, and messages about friendship and love.

• “Love is My Superpower” by Alicia Ortego – A heartwarming story about kindness, empathy, and expressing love, available in the My Superpower box set.”
• “Arthur’s Valentine” by Marc Brown – A classic story about Arthur and his secret admirer.
• “Amelia Bedelia’s First Valentine” by Herman Parish – A hilarious take on Valentine’s Day from the beloved character.
• “Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentine” by Barbara Park – A funny, relatable Valentine’s Day adventure.
• “Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink” by Diane deGroat – A humorous tale about making and fixing mistakes in friendships.

Valentine’s Day Books in Bulk

If you need Valentine’s Day books for classroom exchanges or community events, consider these bulk options:

• “Little Blue Truck’s Valentine” by Alice Schertle – Available in packs, this book is a hit with young kids.
• “Clifford’s First Valentine’s Day” by Norman Bridwell – A great choice for schools and libraries.
• “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Rose!” by Lucille Colandro – Fun and engaging, perfect for groups.
• Mini Valentine’s Day Board Books – Many retailers sell assorted small books in bulk, great for party favors or classroom gifts.

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Kids (Not Classroom Related)

If you’re looking for personal Valentine’s Day gifts beyond the classroom setting, consider these ideas:

• Personalized Valentine’s Storybooks – Websites like I See Me! offer custom books with a child’s name included in the story.
• Activity Books – Sticker books, coloring books, and Valentine-themed puzzle books make great gifts.
• Stuffed Animals with Books – Pair a Valentine’s book with a plush character for an extra special gift.
• DIY Valentine’s Craft Kits – Encourage creativity with heart-themed craft sets.

Hospital Valentines: Thoughtful Gifts for Children in Hospitals

For children spending Valentine’s Day in the hospital, books are a comforting and meaningful gift. Choose uplifting and engaging stories to brighten their day.

• “The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn – A reassuring story about love and connection.
• “Guess How Much I Love You” by Sam McBratney – A timeless classic that spreads warmth and love.
• “Love You Forever” by Robert Munsch – A sentimental favorite for all ages.
• Soft Books and Sensory Books – Choose books with textures, sounds, or interactive elements for younger children who may be in hospital settings.

Books are one of the best gifts you can give a child on Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re reading with a toddler, choosing a story for a preschooler, or picking out a fun book for an elementary-aged child, there are plenty of great Valentine’s Day books to explore. For those looking for meaningful ways to spread love, donating books to children in hospitals or gifting books in bulk to classrooms can make a difference. No matter how you celebrate, a good book will always be a cherished Valentine’s gift!