There’s no better time to read than all the time, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. Whether your child enjoys a good picture book or would rather curl up on the couch for a novel marathon, these 9 books about love will make their Valentine’s Day extra sweet.
Children’s books
Happy Valentine’s Day, Mouse! by Laura Joffe Numeroff
From the classic series, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, comes this tale of love, friendship, and Valentine’s Day activities. This book gives kids a chance to think about what they love about people and the different skills and hobbies that make each of their friends and family special.
The Littlest Valentine by Brandi Dougherty
As this family prepares for Valentine’s Day, their favorite holiday, the littlest member wants to be helpful but feels that she can’t manage to do anything right. Making friends, finding common ground and working together to succeed are central themes that make this book a great read.
Crocodiles Need Kisses Too by Rebecca Colby
In Crocodiles Need Kisses Too, children will learn about even those who are different, and can sometimes seem scaly or prickly, still need love just like them. Come along with the crocodiles, porcupines, snakes, sharks and many more to find out how love can be shared, even with those who have big teeth.
Love From the Crayons by Drew Daywalt
This colorful book talks about how love can look different for different people, how it can be bright yellow and sunshine or deep blue and sad. Loves comes in all shapes, sizes and emotions in Love from the Crayons, capturing a little bit of reality and packaging it for kids to understand.
Llama Llama I Love You by Anna Dewdney
This rhyming book, perfect for younger children, celebrates sharing love and showing love to friends and family through words and actions. Get caught up in valentine making fun, quality time with family and the festivities of the day with Llama Llama I Love You.
YA novels
A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall
This novel, written in 14 different perspectives, tells a tale of the side characters watching the main characters falling in love—and rooting for them the whole way. The perfect Valentine’s Day novel, A Little Something Different, will have your teen rooting for the main characters along with everyone else, having tons of fun along the way.
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Being shipped off to a boarding school, away from everything you know, to a place where you don’t even speak the language, doesn’t exactly seem like the most amazing situation to be in. Yet this story about cultivating friendships, growing up, making the most of your circumstances and finding love in unexpected ways will captivate your teen this Valentine’s Day.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
Crushes, romance, and secret love letters? Nothing could be better for your teen this Valentine’s Day. This novel, turned Netflix original, is a cute tale of coming out of your shell, falling in love and finding your place, both in high-school and in your family.
Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott
This bittersweet romance will have your teen breaking out the tissues this Valentine’s Day, but its message drives home loving friends, family and yourself even in the midst of difficult, life-altering situations. It will show your teen that even though loving people might be a risk, it’s one that is definitely worth it.
So, have your child drop whatever they’re doing, and get reading with these Valentine’s Day books! No matter if they spend Valentine’s Day with crocodiles, llamas or college students, at least they’ll have their noses stuck in a book, which in this author’s opinion, is the best way to spend any day.
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