Nine Valentine's Day Books To Read With Your Preschoolers

February 13, 2020

Here are just a few of the Valentine’s Day book recommended by Preschool Teachers that you are sure to enjoy with your children.

1. Saint Valentine

How did Valentine’s Day, one of our most popular holidays, begin?
It started in ancient Rome when a kind physician named Valentine took an interest in a young blind girl. With his healing skill and his deep faith, he restored her sight. What we now call Valentine’s Day began when he sent the little girl a secret message, which she received after the Christian martyr was executed. For this tale rich in sentiment, master illustrator Robert Sabuda has created exquisite paper mosaics to suggest early Christian art that resonates with both subtlety and power.

 

2. Bear in Love

Could the bear have a secret friend? Who is leaving him surprises? The ever-lovable Daniel Pinkwater spins a funny and sweetly offbeat story.

One morning, the bear finds something just outside his cave. It is orange and long and pointy and has bushy green leaves at one end. And it’s sweet and crunchy! Where did it come from? Did someone leave it for him? Then there are two more of the sweet crunchy things the next morning! The bear knows that someone nice is leaving him these treats. If only he could discover who it is! Should he leave something tasty in return? With the help of Will Hillenbrand’s endearing illustrations, the inimitable Daniel Pinkwater spins a charming little mystery about unexpected kindnesses and finding that extra-special someone.

 

3. Cranberry Valentine

“Suffering codfish! Somebody’s after me,” Mr. Whiskers groans. And somebody is.
It all starts on a gray February day in Cranberryport when Mr. Whiskers admits to Maggie and Grandmother that he has never, ever, received a valentine. Then two days later, a big lacy valentine arrives for him, full of cupids, lovebirds, hearts, and flowers.
“How sweet,” says Maggie.
“Revolting,” says Mr. Whiskers.
The next day three more fancy valentines arrive for Mr. Whiskers, and he begins to get worried…particularly when he hears that a lady in green has been asking for him all over town.
Then more valentines arrive and Mr. Whiskers is terrified! Should he hide or leave town? How Mr. Whiskers solves the mystery of his secret admirer and enjoys a Happy Valentine’s Day after all makes this another appealing story in the much loved Cranberryport series. Originally printed in 1986, this tale is back for all to enjoy along with Grandmother’s delicious recipe for Cranberry Upside-Down Cake!

 

3. Baby Penguins Love Their Mama

This Amazon Best Book of the Year is the perfect holiday, Valentine’s Day—or any day—board book for little hands and flippers! Learn the days of the week and share a hug with a mom you love!

When you’re a mama penguin with lots (and lots) of little ones to take care of, the days can melt together in a blur. Monday: swimming lessons. Tuesday: sliding. Wednesday: waddling. And on and on. Mama loves her babies so much. Do they know, she wonders, just how much?

As it turns out, they do–because they love her just as much! And to show it, they surprise her with a thoughtful gesture of their own on Sunday.

In her companion to Baby Penguins Everywhere! Melissa Guion offers another adorable book, perfect for teaching the days of the week and for sharing between moms and their little ones.

 

4. Love Is

This beautifully illustrated book tells the heartwarming story of a little girl and a duckling, who both grow to understand what it means to care for each other as they learn that love is as much about letting go as it is about holding on. A little girl finds a duckling who has wandered away from the park onto the city streets and takes it home to care for it. The baby duck requires constant attention—early morning feedings, bathing, and tidying—until the time comes to say goodbye. When her pet has grown too big for the bath, the girl takes the full-grown duck back to the pond. Afterward, she misses it and wonders if it remembers her. One day, the duck comes back—with six ducklings of her own.

• Lyrical text makes the story fun to read aloud
• Teaches responsibility
• Explores the challenges and joys that come with giving and receiving love.

 

5. Snowy Valentine

Step out into a snowy Valentine’s Day with Jasper the bunny as he searches the forest valley for a special gift for his loved one.

In his picture-book debut, David Petersen, the Eisner Award-winning creator of Mouse Guard, tells a delightful tale that becomes the perfect way to say “I love you.”

 

6. The Biggest Valentine Ever

When Mrs. Mousely asks her class to make valentines, Clayton and Desmond decide to make one together and give it to their teacher as a surprise. But things don’t go as planned. First Clayton puts too much glitter on the card. Then Desmond puts on too many hearts. Soon the friends are arguing and they rip the card in half. “I’m going to make my own valentine!” they both say and go home in a huff.
But then Desmond and Clayton realize that by working together they can make the biggest, best valentine ever!
Kids can use the colorful foil stickers to make their own valentines!

 

7. I Love You Already

Bear can’t wait to spend a pleasant day by himself. But his persistent next-door neighbor, Duck, wants to take a morning stroll . . . with Bear.

He just wants Bear to like him already. . .

Jory John, author of Penguin Problems and The Bad Seed, and Benji Davies, creator of The Storm Whale, join together again to bring us this standout hilarious story of unrequited admiration that will leave children laughing at every page. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any storytime!

 

8. Happy Valentine’s Day Mouse

Join Mouse from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie as he celebrates Valentine’s Day with all the friends he loves.

This board book with sturdy pages is perfect for preschoolers, who will enjoy the simple introduction to the fun of Valentine’s Day.

“This title follows Mouse as he makes valentines for all of his friends,” said School Library Journal. “Each valentine is made to represent what he loves most about each of his friends, such as Pig ‘because she’s a good dancer’ and Bunny ‘because she’s the best at hide-and-seek.'”

Budding artists and crafters will love this book, perfect for pairing with Valentine’s Day activities. A surprise at the end adds to the read-aloud fun!

 

9. Llama Llama I Love You

With short and simple rhyming text, the Llama Llama board books introduce Llama Llama to babies and toddlers before they’re ready for longer full-length stories. And their small size and durable pages are perfect for little hands.

In Llama Llama I Love You, little llama shows his friends and family how much he loves them with heart-shaped cards and lots of hugs. What could be sweeter than Llama Llama on Valentine’s Day?

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