Tiny Humans, Big Hearts:
10 Books About Love for Babies
by Jennifer Ridgway
Books about love abound. Below are some wonderful picks for infants and toddlers. They explore various types of love — love from mothers, fathers, grandparents, even monsters. There really is a love book for everyone!
All of the books mentioned below are available as board books, which will allow your little one to hold the book and interact with it without worrying about ripping the pages (or getting paper cuts).
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I Love You Through and Through
With wonderful illustrations of a little boy and his teddy bear, this book shows all sides of our children – good and bad – and reminds them that we love and adore them unconditionally.
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Guess How Much I Love You
This seems like a modern classic for children’s libraries. The charming book illustrates love in a very visual way. Little Nutbrown Hare leads off by asking Big Nutbrown Hare, “Guess how much I love you?” The relationship between Big and Little isn’t clearly defined, so this can also be a great book for grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc., in addition to Mom and Dad.
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If I Could Keep You Little
Exploring parents' complicated feelings about watching their children grow up, Richmond has managed to write a book that will appeal to both little ones and their parents. A word of warning: Keep some tissues handy because if you’re like me, you’ll end up in tears!
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Love Monster
Recently released in board book form — to make it more infant and toddler friendly — Bright’s story of the only monster in Cutesville trying to find love features a furry main character that children will adore. There are a couple of great underlying messages about going after what you want, having patience, not giving up, and everyone being loved.
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Snuggle Puppy
This is a personal favorite! The bright illustrations of dogs, combined with fun, silly words, will hold your child’s attention. And, it just begs you to make up your own melody as you sing “Oooo…Snuggle Puppy of Mine….” I’m convinced this book helped my twins learn to say “I love you.”
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We Love Each Other
Available from:Using bold, bright colors and familiar shapes, author/illustrator Yonezu showcases love throughout the animal kingdom. This has a great message with a wonderful, simple style for little ones to explore.
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You’re All My Favorites
Available from:This is a perfect read for anyone with more than one child. Mommy and Daddy Bear reassure their three cubs that there is enough love for all of them. When the cubs begin to question them (after all, one of them HAS to be the favorite, especially since they are all different), Mommy and Daddy are able to soothe their worries.
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We Belong Together: A Book About Adoption and Families
A great book for all adoptive families, this book explores the ways that people come together to make a family. The artwork is bright and inclusive, the prose is simple, and the message is all about sharing love.
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Daddy Kisses
Celebrating the love of fathers and children through warm illustrations of animals, this simple book is made for read-aloud cuddles. There are three other books in the series: Mommy Hugs, Daddy Cuddles, and Mommy Loves.
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Grandma Loves You
A sweet poem from a grandmother to her grandchild, this book reminds children of the unique bond they share with their grandmother, whether she is near or far. There is also a Grandpa Loves You available.
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