Skip to Main Content (Press Enter)

Baby & Toddler

Pre-K

Growing Reader

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 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.

Ten-Word Tiny Tales of Love

Ten-Word Tiny Tales of Love

by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by various artists

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.

Also available from:

Bigfoot's Big Heart

Bigfoot's Big Heart

by Sarah Glenn Marsh, illustrated by Ishaa Lobo

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.

Also available from:

10 Things I Love About You

10 Things I Love About You

by Sophie Aggett, illustrated by Rosie Butcher

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.

Also available from:

RELATED: Valentine’s Day Picture Book Gifts for Little Readers

Love Is Hard Work: The Art and Heart of Corita Kent

Love Is Hard Work: The Art and Heart of Corita Kent

by Dan Paley, illustrated by Victoria Tentler-Krylov

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.

Also available from:

You Are My Everything

You Are My Everything

by Kelly Conroy, illustrated by Abigail Hookham

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.

Also available from:

Mr. Boddington's Studio: How to Say I Love You

Mr. Boddington's Studio: How to Say I Love You

by Mr. Boddington's Studio

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.

Also available from:

Bobby and the Big Valentine

Bobby and the Big Valentine

by Timmy Woitas, illustrated by Addy Rivera Sonda

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.

Also available from:

I Love You, Best Friend

I Love You, Best Friend

by Beatrix Potter

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.

Also available from:

Getting Ready for Valentine's Day

Getting Ready for Valentine's Day

by Vera Ahiyya, illustrated by Debby Rahmalia

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.

Also available from:

RELATED: Spread the Love: Valentine’s Day Printables & Activities

Springtime Storks

Springtime Storks

by Carol Joy Munro, illustrated by Chelsea O'Byrne

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.

Also available from:

Follow Your Heart

Follow Your Heart

by Emma Dodd

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!

Also available from:

We Love Valentine's Day (PAW Patrol)

We Love Valentine's Day (PAW Patrol)

by Random House

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.

Also available from:

You might also like:

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2018 and updated in 2024.