18 Valentine’s Day Picture Books You Should Read With Kids

One wintry day, a postman delivers a mysterious package with a big pink bow to a lonely man named Mr. Hatch.

“Somebody loves you,” the note says.
“Somebody loves me!” Mr. Hatch sings as he dusts his living room.
“Somebody loves me!” Mr. Hatch whistles as he does his errands in town.
“But who,” Mr. Hatch wonders, “could that somebody be?”

When his best friend Peter moves away, Robert has no one to play with, no one to fight with, and no fun at all. Then he meets Will -- and finds he's not the only one who needs a new best friend.

"A tender tale of loss and reunion, and the saving grace of a mother’s love." —Kirkus Reviews

Bunny knows how to do lots of special rabbity things, like running and hopping, digging, and thumping his great big feet. But when he runs too far one day and gets lost deep in the woods, there’s only one thing he wants: an adoring Mommy Rabbit to cuddle him and put her twitchy nose on his. The incomparable Anita Jeram, illustrator of the all-time classic series about the Nutbrown Hares and many other beloved tales, offers a sweetly reassuring read-aloud for the youngest of children.

In both Spanish and English, two tiny mice express their love in big terms. On a walk together, the mice learn that their love is bigger than 1 bear, taller than 2 giraffes, larger than 3 blue whales. As they count from 1 to 10, the mice discover that their love is greater than anything they can imagine. Siempre. Forever.

Little Bear is so pleased with the picture he has drawn that he asks Hen to take it to his grandmother. Grandmother is so happy with it that she sends him back a thank-you kiss.

How the kiss is passed from Grandmother, to Hen, to Cat, to Little Skunk, to a pretty girl skunk, and back to Little Skunk, and how eventually it comes again to Hen and finally to Little Bear, will delight children just learning to read.

A Kiss for Little Bear is among the beloved classic Little Bear books for beginning readers from Else Holmelund Minarik and Maurice Sendak. 

There are all kinds of kisses in the world, for all different occasions:

congratulations kisses
I'm sorry kisses
butterfly kisses
good night kisses

A kiss is a wonderful way to show someone you care.

Show someone you care--share this book and a kiss!

Bobo needs a hug. But his friends don't seem to understand. "Hug," he implores, time and again. Time and again his puzzled pals—from the smallest chameleon to the tallest giraffe—shrug and cuddle with their jungle mothers. As the lonely chimp's plea escalates, his friends grow concerned. Can the elephants lead Bobo to his heart's desire?

The sun rises, and a bear and cub begin their day together. They splash in the water, climb mountains, watch the colorful 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.

Larry the monster has spotted a heart-shaped button. You probably shouldn't push it...

Well, okay, go ahead and push it once.

Oh, no! Larry's turned pink! Push it again.

Now Larry's covered in HEARTS!

Next push...and the room is filled with heart-shaped balloons, Tap them and make them pop!

Whew! Everything's almost back to normal. But what happens if you push that button again, just one last time?

This 8x8 storybook is complete with gatefold flaps for readers to pull back and discover all the fun Valentine’s Day surprises.

From decorating the classroom with hearts to eating cupcakes and making Valentine’s Day mailboxes, Little Critter is having the best day ever. He’s even making an extra-special card for an extra-special valentine!

There are so many kinds of kisses, little one.
I-missed-you kisses . . .
thank-you kisses . . .
feel-better kisses . . .
and kisses just because.

This delightful picture book is an ode to the strongest of bonds--the love from a parent. Where Do Kisses Come From? is illustrated with family scenes of cuter-than-cute animals expressing their love for their little ones. Makes a terrific read-aloud treat on Valentine's Day or any day!

Clifford begins life as a very small, red puppy, but once he starts growing into a very large, red dog, there seems no limit to his potential size!  Join him as he discovers Valentine's Day and all the fun that goes along with it!

Poppy: All we need is love.

Little One: And a pillow.

Poppy: Yes, a pillow, but that is all we need.

This heartfelt celebration of love follows Poppy and Little One as they discuss all the things they need in life like a really good pillow or a roof over their heads -- but most important of all, love. Despite the challenges they face as a storm sweeps away their home, this duo never lose their optimism because in the end they know that all they truly need is love... and each other.

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.

Celebrate Valentine's Day with this festive introduction for kids ages 6 to 9!

Valentine's Day is a holiday where people celebrate love―romantic love, as well as love for family and friends! Learn all about the history, traditions, food, and more with this book of facts and activities that encourage you to join in on the fun.

So many ways to get festive―Discover how Valentine's Day is celebrated by giving gifts, wearing red and pink, and decorating with hearts.

Celebrate at home―Explore Valentine's Day customs with included activities like making make your own Heart-Shaped Wreath and Baci Chocolate Kisses.

Fascinating facts and pictures―Vibrant illustrations and kid-friendly language help bring Valentine's Day to life.

Can you catch the magical Loveosaurus? The How to Catch Kids are on the chase again, this time to trap a dinosaur that escaped from the museum and wants to spread love and kindness. Blending exciting traps and STEAM concepts with hilarity and chaos to encourage reading, learning, and imagination, this charming adventure will delight young readers, families, and educators alike―and maybe inspire spreading some kindness too! This funny children's picture book makes the perfect bedtime read-aloud and Valentine's Day gift for kids ages 4-10!

Have you heard of the Loveosaurus? The first ever found―it's true!

He's on the run spreading kindness and joy, but who will trap him… YOU?

Come along with Elmo and the Sesame Street friends as they visit the community garden and discover all the amazing ways they are growing, just like a garden! This charming story is filled with sweet rhymes of love and pride from big to little, colorful nature illustrations, as well as subtle themes of conservation, sustainability, and taking care of the Earth. A delightful celebration of all the wonderful things you can do as you learn, this encouraging children's book is a reminder of the special journey it is to grow and how much love is shared along the way!