There are plenty of actual Valentine’s Day books out there: some more charming and original than others. Here are eight books about love for our partners, friends, families, and communities that kids (and the adults in their lives) can enjoy year-round. Many of these titles come in sturdy “board book” form for the littlest listeners.
Eight books that celebrate love:
- Love, Z by Jessie Sima
A young robot goes on a journey to find out what “love” means. Sweet but not saccharine – perfect for bedtime or any time.
- Plant a Kiss by Amy Krause Rosenthal
A simple, extremely charming book about spreading kindness.
- One Love by Cedella Marley
Exuberant illustrations by Vanessa Brantley-Newton turn the song lyrics from “One Love” into a story about community coming together.
- My Heart Fills with Happiness by Monique Gray Smith
A gorgeous, simple book about the everyday moments that fill your heart with happiness. Perfect for toddlers who delight in books depicting familiar scenes. Available in Spanish and English/Cree.
- I Love You Because I Love You by Van Muon Thi
Each beautiful two-page spread repeats the lines “I love you because…/Beacause I love you…” and shows adults and the children they care about in everyday situations.
- Worm Loves Worm by J.J. Austrian
Worm and Worm are undeterred by cries of “that’s how it’s always been done!” as they plan their wedding. A celebration of love with a cast of comical insect friends.
- Love by Matt de la Peña
Images of love from expected and unexpected places – there are some big, heavy themes touched upon in this ultimately hopeful and beautiful book. Also available in Spanish.
- How Do I Love Thee by Jennifer Adams
A reimagining of Elizabeth Barret Browning’s “Sonnet 43” with beautiful illustrations featuring a diverse cast of kids doing everything from climbing a tree (“I love thee in soft sunlight”) to piloting a submarine (“I love thee deep”).
Want to donate books to our WITS Library for students? Send us one of these titles included in our Amazon wish list. If you use Amazon to send a gift to WITS, make sure to include a gift note with your name and email address so we can thank you. Happy Valentine’s Day!
