The Artful Parent has an amazing list of Valentine’s Day books for kids that is sure to inspire all kinds of warm fuzzies.
Updated January 2024
Valentine’s Day is such a fun holiday to share with your family. It’s the perfect excuse to pull out all the craft supplies, eat too much chocolate, and squeeze your kids extra tight.
But our favorite way to celebrate? A brand new stack of beautiful picture books! Here’s our list of the absolute best Valentine books for kids. You’re sure to fall in love!
Valentine’s Day Books for Kids
1. I’ll Love You Till the Cows Come Home by Kathryn Cristaldi, illustrated by Kristyna Litten
We were instantly smitten with this tribute to family love, full of adorable animals and silly idioms.
2. Tiny T. Rex and the Perfect Valentine by Jonathan Stutzman, illustrated by Jay Fleck
Tiny T. Rex is back in this special Valentine book, and he’s just as cute as ever. This time, Tiny tries to make the perfect valentine for his best friend and finds out it might be harder than he first thought.
3. How to Help a Cupid by Sue Fliess, illustrated by Simona Sanfilippo
This book has some interesting tidbits about the history of the holiday and features our FAVORITE part of Valentine’s Day: Crafting!
4. I Like You by Sandol Stoddard Warburg, illustrated by Jacqueline Chwast
Irresistibly charming and totally accessible, this small book celebrates all the countless, everyday reasons we like each other.
5. The Love Letter by Anika Aldamuy Denise, illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins
Some forest friends discover the surprising power of a few kind words.
6. Crocodiles Need Kisses Too by Rebecca Colby, illustrated by Penelope Dullaghan
This sweet rhyming book is fun to read aloud as we discover that even the bumpiest, slimiest, and prickliest creatures need love!
7. Love, Z by Jessie Sima
A young robot sets out on an adventure to find the meaning of love, eventually discovering it was back home all along.
8. Love Grows Everywhere by Barry Timms, illustrated by Tisha Lee
Vibrantly illustrated with details that will keep you coming back again and again, this heartwarming book reveals the many different kinds of love that exist in one community.
9. How We Say I Love You by Nicole Chen, illustrated by Lenny Wen
Saying “I love you” isn’t just about words. Your kids are sure to recognize the acts of kindness in this beautiful book, and it will get everyone thinking about the many different ways your own family says “I love you.”
10. Let Me Call You Sweetheart: A Confectionery of Affection by Mary Lee Donovan, illustrated by Brizida Magro
Featuring more than fifty terms of endearment and the most whimsical illustrations, this poetic book is perfect for sharing with your own little sweetheart.
11. I Love You Like Yellow by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
With rhyming text and lush illustrations, this book shows how a parent’s unconditional love shines through the most wonderful and ordinary moments.
12. Let’s Do Everything and Nothing by Julia Kuo
We were immediately taken with Julia Kuo’s bold and beautiful illustrations. Luckily, the simple, poetic text is just as stunning: a beautiful ode to the love between parent and child.
13. Love Is for Roaring by Mike Kerr, illustrated by Renata Liwska
Glitter hearts and pink doilies aren’t for everyone, but love isn’t just about squishy stuff. Follow a grumpy little lion as he discovers that there are all kinds of ways to love.
14. A Hug Is for Holding Me by Lisa Wheeler, illustrated by Lisk Feng
Journey through nature with some seriously gorgeous illustrations and learn all the things a hug can be.
15. Heart String by Brooke Boynton-Hughes
This warm story reassures us that we’re all connected, even when we’re apart.
16. My Love for You Is Always by Gillian Sze, illustrated by Michelle Lee
Using beautiful and accessible metaphors, a mother answers her child’s question, But what is love, Mama?
17. Viking in Love by Doug Cenko
Your kids will giggle their way through this endearing book, cheering on Viking Stig as he overcomes his fears in pursuit of love.
18. While We Can’t Hug by Eoin McLaughlin, illustrated by Polly Dunbar
Hedgehog discovers that there are so many ways to show someone you love them, even when you can’t hug.
19. This Love: A Celebration of Harmony Around the World by Isabel Otter, illustrated by Harriet Lynas
Full of cheerful illustrations and clever cutouts, kids learn that “love is a special language that’s understood by all.”
20. Group Hug by Jean Reidy, illustrated by Joey Chou
Adorable animals, rhythmic rhyming text, and fun illustrations make this sweet book perfect for your next storytime.
21. My Heart by Corinna Luyken
We love this gentle reminder that our hearts can experience a vast array of emotions.
22. What Is Love by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Carson Ellis
This story reads like an old fable, following a young boy as he sets out on a quest to find the nature of love.
23. How Do I Love Thee? by Jennifer Adams, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal
Joyful illustrations accompany this beautiful reimagining of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s “Sonnet 43.”
24. Delivery by Aaron Meshon
A nearly wordless story that follows the many ways love can travel.
25. Slug in Love by Rachel Bright, illustrated by Nadia Shireen
Clever and totally charming, your kids will immediately be rooting for this adorable little slug and his search for a hug.
More Picture Books for Kids
- Children’s Books about Black History
- 30 Children’s Books About Winter
- The Best Books for Valentine’s Day
- How to Create a Seasonal Home Library for Children
Want even more creative ideas?
Check out our Hearts Activities pack!
We think you’re going to LOVE this sweet collection of adorable heart activities! This 32-page printable eBook is full of coloring pages, drawing prompts, games, and more!
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