12 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, some that are more about what love means in the everyday, and one option that sets its affections firmly on tacos. 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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Cupig
Available from:Kids are going to love this hilarious spin on the classic Cupid myth. An adorable pig named Cupig loves nothing more than spreading love. But when her arrows veer off course, dynamic duos everywhere split up. Peanut Butter pairs up with Anchovies instead of Jelly, and Fork leaves Knife for Whisk. With collage-style artwork, rhyming text, and puns galore, this giggle-worthy picture book will become an annual favorite!
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A Cup of Love
Available from:#1 New York Times bestselling author and lead pastor, Michael Todd, makes his picture book debut with this story about God’s love. A little girl feels left out when her parents go on a date, so her father uses overflowing cups to demonstrate how love pours from one person to another. It offers an essential lesson for children about cultivating relationships and taking time for individual members of your family.
RELATED: Heartfelt Valentine's Day Books to Gift to Kids
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A World of Love
Available from:Learn how animals show love to their children with this brightly illustrated picture book. Tiny readers will enjoy seeing how animals like dolphins, doves, penguins, and sheep care for their babies. They will want to read this one on repeat.
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Share Your Love
Available from:When you want to teach your child about sharing love and kindness with others, pick up this heartwarming book. Rhyming text and gorgeous illustrations lead young readers through several positive thoughts they can send to themselves, friends, and family. Whether you want to use them as prayers, manifestations, or good vibes, they offer positive and hopeful wishes for kids to send into the world.
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The Lonely Otter
Available from:Because he is shy, Otto spends most of his time alone. He wants to make a friend, so when he notices another lonely otter, he gathers his courage and approaches her. This sweet picture book is about friendship, bravery, and being comfortable with yourself.
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Be My Valenslime
Available from:Snoodle, an unusual monster with a love for candy hearts, parties, kittens, and valentines, faces a challenge when she attempts to host a Valentine's Day party for her monster friends. Despite her efforts to demonstrate love, each attempt results in chaos. Young readers will adore this sweet and silly story that shows that love always finds a way.
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Love from Bluey
Available from:Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your child’s favorite blue dog — Bluey! Fans of the television show will want to get their paws on this charming bedtime story. They’ll enjoy watching Mom snuggle up with Bingo to read a book while Dad wrangles Bluey through a bedtime routine.
RELATED: Bluey Printables & Activities
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The Very Hungry Caterpillar Loves [YOUR NAME HERE]!
Available from:Give your little one a personalized board book starring The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Write your child’s name in the space provided, and read the story about how much they are loved. This book makes an excellent addition to any toddler’s bookshelf!
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Eleven Words for Love: A Journey Through Arabic Expressions of Love
Available from:A Palestinian family flees their home with only a suitcase containing a few simple possessions. During their journey, the oldest daughter describes the eleven Arabic words for “love” and her memories associated with each one. The hand-drawn illustrations and heartfelt story make this picture book a must-read for anyone affected by or interested in learning about the refugee experience.
RELATED: Books To Help Kids Understand What It's Like To Be a Refugee
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I Love You, Little One
Available from:Petter Rabbit’s family welcomes a new baby in this beautiful picture book about love. Familiar characters, classic-looking illustrations, and rhyming text make this joyful book an excellent addition to your Valentine’s Day reading stack.
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Dr. Seuss's Who Loves You?
Available from:Kids who can’t get enough of Dr. Seuss will love this Valentine’s Day title starring the Cat in the Hat and other beloved characters. Zany, Seuss-style rhymes celebrate kindness, love, and creativity, while a mylar mirror on the last page adds an interactive element that children will enjoy.
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Happy Valentine’s Day, Corduroy!
Available from:In this new picture book, Corduroy helps his friend Lisa prepare for a Valentine’s Day party. They spend the shopping, baking, and decorating. Finally, Lisa’s friends arrive, and they spend a fun-filled afternoon eating cupcakes and making crafts. If you’re a Corduroy fan, you’ll want to add this book to your collection.
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![The Very Hungry Caterpillar Loves [YOUR NAME HERE]!](https://images.penguinrandomhouse.com/cover/9780593661055)
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2018 and updated in 2024.