Telling the tales of love and friendship, these heartwarming Valentine’s books for kids are a great way to spend some time together.

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When it comes to making Valentine’s day special for kids, one of the most popular choices for parents is to create a tradition with your little one. Snuggling up to read a story together is always a good idea, and if it is a feel-good story like one of these Valentine’s books for kids, then even better!

Some classics and some new, this list is a great mix of stories that centre around love and friendship.

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Valentine’s Books for Kids

Guess How Much I Love You

Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram

This gorgeous and enchanting picture book has become a modern classic. The story of Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare trying to express how much they love each other is one which has captivated adults and children the world over.

The Hug

The Hug by Eoin McLaughlin and Polly Dunbar

A beautiful, heartwarming picture book with all the universal appeal of Guess How Much I Love You.

In this clever tale, both a hedgehog and a tortoise are looking for a hug. They ask all the other animals they come across, but for some reason no one will hug them. Until a wise owl explains: Hedgehog is too spiky; Tortoise is too bony. And that’s when they find each other!

Mr Men: Love

Mr Men: Love by Roger Hargreaves

I’m so happy when we’re together.
You bring sunshine into my life.
Even when I’m feeling small,
You make me feel ten foot tall.

The Mr Men and Little Miss will help you show that special someone just how much they mean to you with this warm and witty celebration of love and friendship.

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I Love You to the Moon and Back

I Love You to the Moon and Back by Amelia Hepworth and Tim Warnes

Show your child just how strong your love is every minute of the day with a sweet, gentle rhyme that’s perfect for sharing with a special little one.

The sun rises, and a bear and cub begin their day together. They splash in the water, climb mountains, watch the colourful lights in the shimmering sky, and play with friends. They show their love for each other by touching noses, chasing each other, and, of course, hugging and snuggling before bed.

Pop Up Peekaboo! I Love You

Pop Up Peekaboo! I Love You by DK

Find out who’s sending Sheep presents in this cute baby book with flaps to lift and pop-ups to enjoy. This read-aloud children’s book encourages first learning by introducing little ones to colourful scenes and adorable cuddly characters.

Llama Llama I Love You

Llama Llama I Love You by Anna Dewdney

Beloved storyteller Anna Dewdney shows young children sweet ways to express their love on Valentine’s Day and all year round.

Little llama shows his friends and family how much he loves them with heart-shaped cards and lots of hugs. What could be sweeter than Llama Llama on Valentine’s Day?

100 Hugs

100 Hugs by Chris Riddell

100 Hugs is a gorgeous collection of illustrated hugs from Chris Riddell, Children’s Laureate 2015-2017.

This is the perfect gift for a loved one, or to cheer yourself up on a dark day when all you need is a hug. The one hundred beautiful and intricate illustrations from the three-times winner of the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal includes a hug for every emotion and occasion. But one thing is for certain: every hug will touch your heart.

One Love

One Love adapted by Cedella Marley

Adapted from one of Bob Marley’s most beloved songs, One Love brings the joyful spirit and unforgettable lyrics of his music to life for a new generation. Readers will delight in dancing to the beat and feeling the positive groove of change when one girl enlists her community to help transform her neighbourhood for the better.

Adapted by Cedella Marley, Bob Marley’s first child, and gorgeously illustrated by Vanessa Newton, this heartwarming picture book offers an upbeat testament to the amazing things that can happen when we all get together with one love in our hearts.

Love from Dr Seuss

Love From Dr Seuss

The perfect collection of lines about love, from the one and only Dr. Seuss!

One Love, Two Love, I Love, You Love!

Love, live and laugh with Dr. Seuss in this sweet selection of lovely lines and unforgettable illustrations! Full of inspiration and love from his countless classics, this is the perfect collection for every occasion, sent to you love from Dr. Seuss…

Lola Dutch: I Love You So Much

Lola Dutch I Love You So Much by Kenneth Wright and Sarah Jane Wright

Lola Dutch loves her friends SO MUCH. So when Croc, Crane and Pig are each having a bad day, she comes up with a brilliant plan to cheer them all up. She makes Croc a pair of cosy pyjamas, she builds Crane a special reading corner, and she takes Pig to his favourite park.

But then Lola realises she’s forgotten the most important person of all – BEAR! Can Lola come up with the perfect way to show how much she loves her dearest friend? Maybe, sometimes, it’s being together that counts most of all…

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Love You Forever

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch and Sheila McGraw

A young woman holds her newborn son and looks at him lovingly. Softly she sings to him: “I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always. As long as I’m living, My baby you’ll be.”

So begins the story that has touched the hearts of millions worldwide.

Love From the Crayons

Love From the Crayons by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers

Ring in Valentine’s Day – and love – with the New York Times best-selling Crayons! This charming title, featuring everyone’s favourite colouring crew, is the perfect gift for that special someone on Valentine’s Day or any day of the year.

Love is yellow and orange. Because love is sunny and warm. Love is purple. Because it’s okay to love outside the lines. This special gift book, featuring all the The Crayons from The Day the Crayons Quit, explores the bright colours and subtle shades of love. This is a must-have for fans of The Crayons, and the perfect gift for that special someone.

I Love You Just the Way You Are

I Love You Just the Way You Are by Make Believe Ideas

Even though you’re tiny,
You’re the bravest mouse I know.
I love you, little lionheart,
It’s great to watch you grow.

This is a heart-warming book, all about the unconditional love between a parent and child. The sweet, rhyming text and colourful illustrations will encourage young children to engage with each page.

Counting Kisses

Counting Kisses by Karen Katz

How many kisses does a tired baby need? Find out in this adorable kiss-and-count board book from Karen Katz!

I Love You, Little Monster

I Love You, Little Monster by Giles Andreae and Jess Mikhail

From the author of bestselling Giraffes Can’t Dance, this adorable picture book has an uplifting message about the special relationship between parent and child.

Perfect for sharing with lovable little monsters everywhere, at bedtime or cuddle time, this tender story captures all the pride, joy, love and hope that every parent feels for their child.

You Taught Me Love

You Taught Me Love by Misty Black and Marina Batrak

Join mother, daughter, and a silly little frog on a heartwarming journey describing love through the eyes of a child.

Kids will enjoy cuddling up with their parents to read this sweet story while exploring their own unique, special bond. The beautiful illustrations and joyful rhymes are sure to tug on your heartstrings.

Love is My Favourite Thing

Love is My Favourite Thing by Emma Chichester Clark

Starring an enthusiastic pooch whose joy, optimism and love know no bounds, this lively picture book is based on Emma Chichester Clark’s own dog, and joyfully celebrates unconditional love.

Plum has lots of favourite things – catching sticks, her bear, her bed – but really, LOVE is her absolute favourite thing. She loves her family and all the things they do together. Sometimes, however, Plum’s exuberance causes trouble, and she just can’t help being naughty. But fortunately, love is such a great thing that even when she makes mistakes, Plum’s family still adores her.

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Under the Love Umbrella

Under the Love Umbrella by Davina Bell and Allison Colpoys

A beautiful tale celebrating the invisible, protective, omnipresent love love between parents and children.

From this award-winning creative duo comes a stunning celebration of the joy and comfort that love can bring – wherever we roam in the big, wild world. No matter what challenges children may face, they can always rely on the love umbrella above them.

The I Love You Book

The I Love You Book by Todd Parr

I love you when you give me kisses.
I love you when you need hugs…
Most of all, I love you just the way you are.

Todd Parr celebrates the unconditional love between parent and child. From the heartfelt (‘I love you when you need hugs’) to the lighthearted (‘I love you when you hide my keys’) and with many moments in between that are sure to make readers smile and reminisce, this is the perfect book for families to share together to remind children how much they are loved, each and every day.

L is For Love

L is For Love by Greg Paprocki

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.

Stick and Stone

Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry and Tom Lichtenheld

When Stick rescues Stone from a prickly situation with a Pinecone, the pair becomes fast friends. But when Stick gets stuck, can Stone return the favour?

Author Beth Ferry makes a memorable debut with a warm, rhyming text that includes a subtle anti-bullying message even the youngest reader will understand. New York Times bestselling illustrator Tom Lichtenheld imbues Stick and Stone with energy, emotion, and personality to spare.

In this funny story about kindness and friendship, Stick and Stone join George and Martha, Frog and Toad, and Elephant and Piggie, as some of the best friend duos in children’s literature.

The Day it Rained Hearts

The Day it Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond

A creative and sweet story, perfect for Valentine’s Day, that helps open the hearts of young readers. From the beloved illustrator of If You Gave a Mouse a Cookie.

One day it rains hearts, and Cornelia Augusta catches them. She realises that the hearts are perfect for making valentines. Each heart is special in its own way, and Cornelia Augusta knows exactly who to send them to: her animal friends.

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I Like You

I Like You by Sandol Stoddard Warburg and Jacqueline Chwast

Here is the book that Romeo would have given Juliet, Charlie Brown would have given Snoopy, and you can give to some very special friend. This special book expresses the true meaning of friendship in a long list of ways with charming accompanying illustrations.

This is Not a Valentine

This is Not a Valentine by Carter Higgins and Lucy Ruth Cummins

This book is not a valentine. It doesn’t have lacy edges or sugary hearts. But it is full of lucky rocks, secret hiding spots, and gumball machine treasures. This is a book about waiting in line and wishing for cinnamon buns. About recognising that if you care so much about someone not thinking you care, maybe you really do. But wait, isn’t that exactly what love is about? Maybe this book is sort of a valentine after all.

A testament to handmade, wacky, bashful, honest love. Sure to win over the hearts of all readers, this offering from debut picture book author Carter Higgins and children’s book veteran Lucy Ruth Cummins is the perfect gift to celebrate every relationship, from parent to child, sibling to sibling, partner to partner, crush to crush.

I Will Love You Anyway

I Will Love You Anyway by Mick and Chloe Inkpen

An adorable, funny rhyming story about a cheeky little pug, perfect for dog lovers of all ages.

Fred is a very naughty little pug. He chews on socks, he rolls in poo and he’s not the best at listening…but somehow, no matter how cheeky he is, he’s still the most lovable pup!

With a simple message about unconditional love, this charmingly funny picture book is just right for Valentines! From the creator of the bestselling Kipper series.

Aalfred and Aalbert

Aalfred and Aalbert by Morag Hood

An aadorable and funny love story between aardvarks.

Aardvarks Aalfred and Aalbert both need a pal. But Aalfred sleeps in the day, and Aalbert sleeps at night. How will they ever get the chance to meet?

Bird conjures up a series of sillier and sillier schemes to get the two aardvarks into the same place, but their paths simply refuse to cross. Until one day, when they find each other in the most unexpected way – and now Aalfred and Aalbert will never lose each other again.

I Love You Night and Day

I Love You Night and Day by Smriti Prasadam-Halls and Alison Brown

A message of unconditional love through the seasons is wrapped in a warm and exuberant board book – perfect for baby showers, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and love all year round!

I love you strong, I love you small,
Together, we have it all.
I love you wild, I love you loud,
I shout it out and I feel proud.

When you love someone, you want the whole world to know. Through good times and bad, rain or shine, love is unconditional. Share this beautiful board book for story time, bedtime, or anytime – with someone you love!

I’ll Love You til the Cows Come Home

I’ll Love You til the Cows Come Home by Kathryn Cristaldi and Kristyna Litten

I will love you till the cows come home from a trip to Mars through skies unknown, in a rocket ship made of glass and stone… I will love you till the cows come home.

Love knows no bounds in this tender tribute to the depths of family love. For fans of Guess How Much I Love You-only funnier! Makes a good baby shower or Valentine’s Day gift.

Love You Hoo

Love You Hoo by Rachel Bright

Cuddle up together with this joyful celebration of love from Rachel Bright, author of the award-winning Lion Inside series.

Join Little Owl and Big Owl as they cuddle up at bedtime. Thinking of the special times they’ve had together and all the exciting adventures the future holds.

This gentle rhyming picture book is just right for sharing with your little one on Valentine’s Day, or at any time of the year.

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Plant a Kiss

Plant a Kiss by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Peter H. Reynolds

From the beloved New York Times bestselling author of I Wish You More, comes a simple and timeless celebration of the power of love.

Little Miss planted a kiss…

One small act of love blooms into something bigger and more dazzling than Little Miss could have ever imagined in this epic journey about life, kindness, and giving.

Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Peter H. Reynolds team together to share a message of hope and to remind us all of the joys to be gained from being open and unselfish.

Love Monster

Love Monster by Rachel Bright

Featuring the only Monster in Cutesville, Love Monster is a wonderfully warm and witty look at how sometimes, when you least expect it, love finds you.

It can be tough being the only funny-looking Monster in Cutesville, but this Monster is not one to hang around and feel sorry for himself, so he’s off – out into the big wide world to look for someone to love him.

He looks high, he looks low and he looks everywhere in-between, but it’s only when he’s just about to give up that he finally finds what he is looking for…

Pete the Cat: Valentine’s Day is Cool

Pete the Cat: Valentine’s Day is Cool by Kimberly and James Dean

New York Times bestselling author and artist James Dean takes us on an awesome trip with Pete the Cat as he discovers just how special Valentine’s Day can be!

At first, Pete thinks Valentine’s Day isn’t cool…until he realises all the special cats there are in his life. Once Pete the Cat realises how much fun Valentine’s Day can be, he decides to make valentine cards for his family and friends. But what happens when he realizes he’s forgotten to make a card for a very important cat?

Comes complete with a poster, stickers, and 12 punch-out Valentine’s Day cards.

Mirabel’s Missing Valentines

Mirabel’s Missing Valentines by Janet Lawler and Olivia Chin Mueller

Poor Mirabel! It’s almost Valentine’s Day and the shy little mouse trembles at the thought of giving cards away. Yet she carefully crafts her valentines, drawing a heart on every one.

In the morning, Mirabel forces herself to hurry to school. But, in her nervousness, she doesn’t notice her bag becoming lighter and lighter: her valentines are falling out! By the time she realizes what’s happened, they’re all gone.

It turns out, though, that these lost valentines bring joy into the lives of all who find them. Then, with her valentines back in her pack, and some newfound friends, she musters up the courage to celebrate the holiday after all!

Little Blue Truck’s Valentine

Little Blue Truck’s Valentine by Alice Schertle and Jill McElmurry

‘Beep!’ said Blue. ‘Happy Valentine’s Day!’

Join Little Blue Truck as he delivers Valentine’s Day cards to all his farm animal friends. But as Blue beeps along, he starts to wonder: will he get any cards of his own?

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I Love You Already!

I Love You Already! by Jory John and Benji Davies

Duck just wants Bear to love him back… Another hilarious adventure from the team behind Goodnight Already!

Bear is looking forward to a nice quiet day, relaxing all by himself. But Duck lives next door, and he loves Bear very much. And he can’t wait to show him how much, with a fun-filled day out!

Will Bear ever get to relax by himself? Will Duck ever get Bear to love him back?

Love

Love by Stacy McAnulty and Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

What is love? Can you only express it in fancy meals, greeting cards, and heart-shaped chocolates? Kids will find love everywhere in this delightful book. It can be found in everyday moments such as baking cookies with grandma, notes from Mom in your lunchbox, or a family singing together on a car trip, and it isn’t always what you expect!

With delightful illustrations by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff and sweetly simple prose by award-winning author Stacy McAnulty, this is the perfect book to teach children what love means, why it’s important, and how they can spread the love in their daily lives.

A Crankenstein Valentine

A Crankenstein Valentine by Samantha Berger and Dan Santat

See what happens to an ordinary kid on the most lovey-dovey, yuckiest day of the year-Valentine’s Day!

Cheesy cards, allergy-inducing bouquets, and heart-shaped everything? It’s enough to turn anyone into a monster!

But Crankenstein might just find a way to turn his sour day sweet… because even the crankiest monsters have hearts!

Ollie’s Valentine

Ollie’s Valentine by Olivier Dunrea

Ollie is looking. Looking for a valentine. Gossie, Gertie, Peedie, and BooBoo all have valentines, but Ollie wonders who will be his. His search leads him to a special valentine of his very own, a surprise for Ollie and readers!

With shiny foil hearts on the cover and every spread, Dunrea’s charming artwork shines in this gift-worthy treat of a book.

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Have your say! Have you read any of these Valentine’s books for kids with your children? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!