New Picture Books To Share With the Kids You Love This Valentine’s Day
by Iva-Marie Palmer
Just like we try to remember to be thankful on days that aren’t Thanksgiving and generous when it’s no longer the holiday season, we all work to do our best to honor the bonds of love (parent to child, friend to friend, neighbor to neighbor) both on Valentine’s Day and beyond. This new crop of picture books features some stories that are expressly about the holiday and some that are more about what love means in the everyday. Great for gifting on February 14 and reading all year long, these reads are sure to warm hearts old and young.
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Ten-Word Tiny Tales of Love
Available from:Cozy up with your little one to read these tiny, heartwarming tales. Each page features a different ten-word story about small acts of kindness, love, and generosity alongside stunning illustrations. This is the feel-good picture book you didn’t know you needed.
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Bigfoot's Big Heart
Available from:Everyone knows that Bigfoot is shy, so it’s no surprise that he keeps in touch with his friends by writing letters and cards. But when he loses the Valentine’s Day cards he made, a scout troop steps in to help him out. Readers of all ages will love the adorable illustrations, charming characters, and the celebration of old and new friends.
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How to Be Romance with Bluey and Bingo
Available from:Love is in the air with Bluey and Bingo! Discover all the heartwarming ways the Heeler family shows their love in this delightful lift-the-flap board book. Whether it's cuddles with Mom, playing games with Dad, or just spending quality time together, every moment is filled with love.
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10 Things I Love About You
Available from:A little girl counts the ways she loves her grownups. Whether painting, shopping, or riding bikes together, the little girl loves spending time with her family. Little readers will count along as the girl and her mother find joy in everyday tasks.
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RELATED: Valentine’s Day Picture Book Gifts for Little Readers
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Love Is Hard Work: The Art and Heart of Corita Kent
Available from:In this picture book biography, learn about a little-known yet highly influential 20th-century artist. Frances (Corita) Kent loved art and religious life more than anything. She also loved words, believing they made art accessible to regular people. As a nun, Corita dedicated her life to creating faith-based art that spoke about love. This is an excellent read if you’re interested in learning about an artist who devoted her life to loving others.
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You Are My Everything
Available from:This beautifully illustrated love letter from a mother to her child is the perfect addition to your Valentine’s Day reading selection. As they travel throughout the day, a mother elephant expresses her love for her child and describes how they bring joy to her heart.
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Mr. Boddington's Studio: How to Say I Love You
Available from:Poetry and Valentine’s Day go hand-in-hand, and this adorable picture book serves up sweet poems to read with your child. From beloved classics and lesser-known gems to original poetry by Mr. Boddington, this book offers heartfelt love poems for readers of all ages.
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Bobby and the Big Valentine
Available from:Get ready for big feelings, sparkles, and a declaration of love with this adorable debut picture book. When Bobby develops a crush on his best friend, Eddie, he makes him the biggest Valentine’s Day card ever! This sweet, affirming picture book will warm your heart and make you smile.
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I Love You, Best Friend
Available from:Celebrate the joys of friendship with this delightful Valentine’s Day book featuring your favorite rabbit. Join Peter Rabbit and his best friend as they play, make mischief, and comfort each other. Soft illustrations and spare text make it an excellent snuggle-time read-aloud.
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Getting Ready for Valentine's Day
Available from:Kai’s school class prepares for Valentine’s Day by making cards, mailboxes, and treats. But when the big day comes, Kai worries they won’t receive any cards from their classmates. This brightly illustrated picture book is a beautiful holiday story about kindness and friendship.
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RELATED: Spread the Love: Valentine’s Day Printables & Activities
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Springtime Storks
Available from:Animal lovers will appreciate this stunning picture book that tugs on the heartstrings. When a white stork named Katerina gets hurt, a human family nurses her back to health. Her mate migrates when winter comes, leaving Katerina behind until they reunite in the spring and welcome a brood of chicks.
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Follow Your Heart
Available from:A mother dolphin shares loving advice with her child as they swim through the sea. She encourages her child to follow their heart to new adventures every day. This gorgeously illustrated picture book from beloved creator Emma Dodd is a must-read for Valentine’s Day!
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We Love Valentine's Day (PAW Patrol)
Available from:You can’t go wrong with this festive PAW Patrol picture book for this Valentine’s Day. Young readers follow their favorite characters from the television show as they track down a missing parade float.
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You might also like:
- 11 Unconventional Love Stories for Kids
- Books and a Craft To Celebrate Valentine’s Day With Your Child
- 8 Picture Books All About Hugs and Kisses
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2018 and updated in 2024.