Spread the Love With Valentine’s Day Books for Kids!

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Valentines Day is a time for love and appreciation, and what better way to show your loved ones that you care than with a book? From heartfelt picture books to thrilling adventure stories, there’s something here for every child on your list. Whether you want to reinforce the values of friendship, loyalty, and kindness or encourage your child’s sense of wonder and exploration, these beautiful tales are sure to leave a lasting impression. So curl up and settle in for some fun-filled reading this Valentines Day!

5 Picture Books for Valentine’s Day:

1. “Love Monster” by Rachel Bright: A story about a cute and cuddly monster searching for love and acceptance.
2. “The Day It Rained Hearts” by Felicia Bond: A heartwarming tale about a young girl who uses hearts to create unique valentine cards for her friends.
3. “Love Is” by Diane Adams: It is good to remember that love can come in many forms. This book explores so many expressions of love, from caring for pets to embracing friendships.
4. “Love, Splat” by Rob Scotton: We love the “Splat” books because they are hilarious! Join Splat the Cat as he learns about love and friendship in this humorous and heartwarming book.
5. “Plant a Kiss” by Amy Krouse Rosenthal: Witness the magical power of sharing love and kindness in this beautifully illustrated book.

5 Early Chapter Books for Valentine’s Day:

5 Early Teen Books for Valentine’s Day:

1. “The Big One-Oh” by Dean Pitchford.
   This is about accepting yourself and all of your idiosyncrasies that make you, unique.
   
   
2. “Because of Mr. Terupt” by Rob Buyea
   Follow the lives of seven students and their beloved fifth-grade teacher, Mr. Terupt, as they discover the power of friendship and compassion.
   
   
3. “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White
   A classic about the unlikely friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte, showcasing loyalty, love, and sacrifice.
   
   
4. “The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate
   Based on a true story, this book explores the friendship and courage of Ivan, a gorilla living in a shopping mall, and his determination to find a better life.
   
   
5. “Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures” by Kate DiCamillo
   Flora, a self-proclaimed cynic, forms an unlikely friendship with a superhero squirrel named Ulysses and embarks on a series of extraordinary adventures.

Are you looking for the perfect gift for your child this Valentine’s Day that you can add to a book, sneak into a lunch, put under their pillow, or slip into their sock drawer?
I created “love notes” for your child.
You cut them out, so there are 30 quick little “pick me ups” you can hide to tell your kiddo you are thinking of them at random times.
Get it here!

5 Books for Teens this Valentine’s Day:

1. “11 Paper Hearts” by Kelsey Hartwell
   This is a sweet love story. However, it concentrates on friendship, self-discovery, and sisters.
   
   
2. “The Forest of Stolen Girls” by June Hur
   This does not belong on a sweet, loving Valentine’s Day list.
   This is an amazing book though.
   If you have a teen who likes mystery, an edge of creepy and some historical references, this is it.
   The way the sisters are reunited and come together is what made me put this on the list.
   
   
3. “Cinder” by Marissa Meyer
   The Lunar Chronicles is probably the favorite in many households I have been in.
   It is a retelling of Cinderella, but a very liberal retelling, Cinder is a cyborg.
   
   
4. “Bruiser” by Neal Shusterman
   The most amazing book on this list.
   This is all about what a boy will do for the love of others and how that manifests physically.
   
   
5. “Host” by Stephenie Meyer
   This is the typical love story for Valentine’s Day.
   The twist is it is between an alien life form that does not have a humanoid body and a human.
   So, it covers intimacy and mental love, not physical attraction or lust.

This Valentine’s Day, whatever your child’s age, there is a perfect book to help them express their love. From heartfelt stories that capture the magic of friendship to funny tales with lovable characters, these reads are sure to bring smiles and warm hearts. As you celebrate this holiday of love with your little ones, turn to these special books for moments of joy and endearment. Wishing you all a happy Valentine’s Day!

*If you are looking for a fabulously unique gift for Valentine’s Day that is not a book, be sure to check out next week’s blog!

“It’s a funny thing about mothers and fathers. Even when their own child is the most disgusting little blister you could ever imagine, they still think that he or she is wonderful.”- Roald Dahl, ‘Matilda’.

1. “Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentine,” by Barbara Park 
   I love Junie B Jones books, and so did my younger son.
   They remind me of a modern Ramona.
   
   
2. “Oh Valentine, We’ve Lost our Minds” by Dan Gutman.
   This a Weird School Book, another loved series in the Peterson household.
   This one has a competition all over a girl, making it perfect for Valentine’s   Day.
   
   
3. “Frog and Toad are Friends” by Arnold Lobel: A story of friendship.
   This is a series of short books that shows the challenges two friends face together.
   
   
4. “Shelter Pet Squad” by Cynthia Lord: this book is packed with “the greats!”
   It has the love of animals, volunteering, and the love of good friends.
   
   
5. “The Year of the Book” by Andrea Cheng
   Ever wonder how to be friend?
   Books have all of the answers, so Anna sets out to discover the answer in books.

5 Early Teen Books for Valentine’s Day:

1. “The Big One-Oh” by Dean Pitchford.
   This is about accepting yourself and all of your idiosyncrasies that make you, unique.
   
   
2. “Because of Mr. Terupt” by Rob Buyea
   Follow the lives of seven students and their beloved fifth-grade teacher, Mr. Terupt, as they discover the power of friendship and compassion.
   
   
3. “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White
   A classic about the unlikely friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte, showcasing loyalty, love, and sacrifice.
   
   
4. “The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate
   Based on a true story, this book explores the friendship and courage of Ivan, a gorilla living in a shopping mall, and his determination to find a better life.
   
   
5. “Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures” by Kate DiCamillo
   Flora, a self-proclaimed cynic, forms an unlikely friendship with a superhero squirrel named Ulysses and embarks on a series of extraordinary adventures.

Are you looking for the perfect gift for your child this Valentine’s Day that you can add to a book, sneak into a lunch, put under their pillow, or slip into their sock drawer?
I created “love notes” for your child.
You cut them out, so there are 30 quick little “pick me ups” you can hide to tell your kiddo you are thinking of them at random times.
Get it here!

5 Books for Teens this Valentine’s Day:

1. “11 Paper Hearts” by Kelsey Hartwell
   This is a sweet love story. However, it concentrates on friendship, self-discovery, and sisters.
   
   
2. “The Forest of Stolen Girls” by June Hur
   This does not belong on a sweet, loving Valentine’s Day list.
   This is an amazing book though.
   If you have a teen who likes mystery, an edge of creepy and some historical references, this is it.
   The way the sisters are reunited and come together is what made me put this on the list.
   
   
3. “Cinder” by Marissa Meyer
   The Lunar Chronicles is probably the favorite in many households I have been in.
   It is a retelling of Cinderella, but a very liberal retelling, Cinder is a cyborg.
   
   
4. “Bruiser” by Neal Shusterman
   The most amazing book on this list.
   This is all about what a boy will do for the love of others and how that manifests physically.
   
   
5. “Host” by Stephenie Meyer
   This is the typical love story for Valentine’s Day.
   The twist is it is between an alien life form that does not have a humanoid body and a human.
   So, it covers intimacy and mental love, not physical attraction or lust.

This Valentine’s Day, whatever your child’s age, there is a perfect book to help them express their love. From heartfelt stories that capture the magic of friendship to funny tales with lovable characters, these reads are sure to bring smiles and warm hearts. As you celebrate this holiday of love with your little ones, turn to these special books for moments of joy and endearment. Wishing you all a happy Valentine’s Day!

*If you are looking for a fabulously unique gift for Valentine’s Day that is not a book, be sure to check out next week’s blog!

“It’s a funny thing about mothers and fathers. Even when their own child is the most disgusting little blister you could ever imagine, they still think that he or she is wonderful.”- Roald Dahl, ‘Matilda’.