Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and one of these picture books might be just what you need to get in the festive spirit!
Love Monster – Rachel Bright
This funny-looking monster finds it hard to be in a world where everyone loves cute things (poor monster!) Someone to love him shows up just when he thought he would never find love. { for all the moms who enjoy the classic formula for a good romantic-comedy! }
Hug Machine – Scott Campbell
Do you need a hug? Wait until you realize the power of the hug machine! Maybe you know a hug machine or want to become a hug machine. Repetition and sweet illustrations make this one a keeper.
The Things I Love About Family – Trace Moroney
This book is so great for building vocabulary while talking about feelings. Little bunny thinks about all of the wonderful feelings he experiences because of his family. Children move through their feelings so quickly, so I love any opportunity they are given to learn about how to name emotions.
A Pocket Full of Kisses – Audrey Penn
A follow up picture book to the amazing, “The Kissing Hand”, which I think is a perfect fit for when a little one is starting school, preschool, daycare etc. In this story, Chester wants to give his baby brother back. Such a helpful book if you are dealing with a baby sibling who is starting to touch all of your things and follow you everywhere. We are relating to this extra hard these days, so this book really spoke to us.
The Kiss Box – Bonnie Verburg & Henry Cole
SO SWEET! Again, describing feelings. This one talks about how we all miss each other when we are apart. A clever mama bear (go girl!) thinks of a way for little bear to get a kiss from her any time he needs one.
I Love You, Spot – Eric Hill
If you know Spot, you love him. We know him and love him here! Just a sweet and simple, quick board book for all the tiny smart cookies.
Happy Valentine’s Day, Mouse – Laura Numeroff, Felicia Bond
Reflection on picking out what you like about each of your friends and finding the good in others. A fun book to pair with the activity under “something sweet” in our Valentine’s Day celebration blog post.
Arthur’s Valentine – Marc Brown
So, I don’t completely love this one for us, simply because it’s intended audience is for kiddos a bit older. There are some themes of secret admirers and teasing among kids in Arthur’s class at school. However, I will say, if you have a child or student that’s experienced something related to teasing for liking someone, this could be a good one to show that it is a universal experience. Also, it’s always good to recognize that this type of behaviour will be something that your little one will see eventually, so having a discussion about being kind would be valuable learning. A cute ending too – a bit of a dad joke that might get a chuckle.
Franklin’s Valentines
More about feelings – a definite trend this time around. Franklin is sad, panicked and overwhelmed when he drops his valentines and they get ruined. But in the spirit of friendship, his friends help to turn his day around and he is determined to pay the kindness back to them.
Do you have a favourite Valentine’s Day book? There are so many good ones out there. Let me know your top choices!
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