Reading books is important for preschoolers. Books build vocabulary, help children see perspectives different from their own, and build important early literacy skills. Celebrate the love of reading in your preschool or kindergarten classroom with this fun and festive curated list of age-appropriate Valentine’s Day books. Whether you’re a classroom teacher looking for that special Valentine book, a guest reader, a parent, or a grandparent, you’re in the right place!
Preschool Books to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
These picture books make perfect Valentine read-alouds for young children.
If You’ll Be My Valentine by Cynthia Rylant
Simple rhymes tell what a boy will do for each of his special valentines. This is my favorite Valentine read-aloud in my class and is always a hit with my students.
Love, Ruby Valentine by Laurie B. Friedman
Ruby Valentine has a favorite day and Valentine’s Day is it. But what happens when she gets so tired from her preparations that she sleeps through the day?
Love, Splat by Rob Scotton
Splat has a special valentine for Kitten. But he is worried because she doesn’t seem to like him very much.
The Dinosaurs Valentine’s Day, by Jessica Brady
While creating Valentine’s cards for all of his friends, Logan the Dinosaur is reminded of all the reasons why he loves his friends so much. This delightful story will create many opportunities for discussion about why our friends are so special.
The Best Valentine’s Day Books for Kids
Love Monster and the Last Chocolate, by Rachel Bright
Monster loves chocolate, but he soon discovers that sharing his chocolates with friends is the sweetest treat of all.
The Day It Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond
One day it rained hearts. Cornelia Augusta catches some of the hearts and uses them to create valentines for her friends.
Lilly’s Chocolate Heart, by Kevin Henkes
Lilly searches for the perfect hiding spot for her red, foil-wrapped chocolate heart only to discover that the best place is in her mouth.
Happy Valentine’s Day, Mouse! by Laura Numeroff
Mouse thinks about each of his friends and what he loves about them as he makes valentines.
Favorite Valentines Books for Preschoolers
Click, Clack, Moo I Love You! by Doreen Cronin
Little Duck decorates the barn and the animals have a party to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Then a surprise guest shows up.
In My Heart, by Jo Witek
Your heart can feel many things. This book explores emotions using lyrical language, perfect for social-emotional learning!
This Is Not a Valentine by Carter Higgins
A boy gives a friend gifts throughout the day. He insists that each one is not a valentine, giving reasons why not.
Preschool Valentine Books
These Valentine Day preschool books include rhyming books, picture books, and even non-fiction books that explain the meaning behind Valentine’s Day. These are a wonderful resource when teaching a Valentine theme in your pre-k, preschool, and kindergarten classrooms.
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Rose, by Lucille Colandro
Your kids will love this super silly rhyming book. In this version of the popular series, the old lady swallows a rose (“that’s how it goes”), some lace, glitter, candy, and so forth.
Pete the Cat: Valentine’s Day Is Cool by James Dean
Pete thinks Valentine’s Day is not cool. But, after talking to Callie, he changes his mind. He makes Valentine’s Day cards for everyone.
Plant a Kiss by Amy Krause Rosenthal
A girl plants a kiss and waits to see what will happen.
Valentine Books for Preschool
Snowy Valentine by David Petersen
Jasper goes in search for the perfect Valentine gift for Lilly.
The I Love You Book, by Todd Parr
Little Blue Truck’s Valentine, by Alice Schertle
If you have Little Blue Truck fans in your class, then this one is a sure hit!
I Spy Little Hearts, by Jean Marzollo
This book of picture riddles is part of the I Spy series and features collections that include hearts on every page.
Hugs and Kisses for the Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle
Hugs and kisses will make you clap, smile, and jump for joy! Even if you are a grouchy ladybug.
Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli
Mr. Hatch received an unexpected package with a note that reads “Somebody loves you.” This gift changes Mr. Hatch. A great book to help your older preschoolers think about others and how they feel.
Happy Valentine’s Day, Little Critter! by Mercer Mayer
A timeless classic, you can’t go wrong with Little Critter in preschool.
Best Valentine Picture Books to Read Aloud to Kids
How do Dinosaurs Say I Love You? by Jane Yolen
The How Do Dinosaurs books are always a hit! Your kids will giggle with delight as they read the silly antics of the bumbling child like dinosaurs who cause all kinds of problems. But in the end, they are reassured by the parents and reminded how much they are loved.
Love, Escargot, Dashka Slater
Escargot, the snail, is excited to celebrate Snailentine’s Day, but when he shows up at a party he gets so nervous, he considers hiding out in his shell. With the help of a newfound friend, he discovers just what love is all about.
Construction Site: You’re Just Right, by Sherri Duskey Rinker
Kindness and love take center stage in this loveable lift the flap book. The simple rhyming text will make it easy to follow along as readers try to uncover who is leaving everyone the special secret messages.
Fiona, Love at the Zoo, by Zondervan
In this edition of the wildly popular Fiona the Hippo series, Fiona discovers how each of her friends at the zoo say “I Love You.” From Pandas, to Giraffes, to Swans, children will delight in finding out how animals communicate their affection with each other.
How to Catch a Loveosaurus, by Alice Walstead
The Catch Club Kids are on another mission, this time to catch the elusive Loveosaurus. The rare Loveosaurus has escaped the museum and is running wild spreading love and kindness. Can you catch the Loveosaurus?
Valentine’s Day Book List for Preschoolers
Love from Llama Llama, by Anna Dewdney
Find out all the reasons why Little Llama shares the reasons he thinks love is great in this special Valentine’s Day book Anna Dewdney book.
Grumpy Monkey Valentine Gross-Out, by Suzanne Lang
Everybody love Grumpy Monkey! In this holiday version, Jim Panzee shares all the reasons why he gets grossed out by all the love he sees on Valentine’s day. Your little learners will giggle with delight throughout this silly read aloud.
Rocket’s Secret Valentine, by Tad Hills
Beloved Rocket has a secret valentine who is leaving him special notes. Following the clues with Rocket and filling in the missing words in the story will keep your readers engaged from beginning to end of this delightful story.
Books to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
How We Say I Love You, by Nicole Chen
How do you show your family you love them? This gorgeously illustrated book invites readers to discover different ways people express love to their family members, and encourages opportunities for rich discussion about love and how it is expressed in our actions.
Love from the Crayons, by Drew Daywalt
The crayons are back in this love filled edition of the favorite series. Readers will explore the many different shades of love.
Love, from The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle
From the most loved and prolific children’s author of all-time, beloved Eric Carle. Little readers discover all the reasons why special people make our lives better and brighter.
Dino-Valentine’s Day, by Lisa Wheeler
Repetitive rhyming text and goofy illustrations makes this the perfect Valentine’s Day read aloud for your dinosaur loving crowd.
Slugs in Love, by Susan Pearson
What could be sillier than two slugs in love? Marylou is infatuated by Herbie. She loves his glistening slime trail, the way he stretches himself to slide through the cellar window, and his knack for finding the juiciest tomatoes in the garden. But Marylou is so shy, how can she get Herbie’s attention so he’ll fall in love with her?
The next step is choosing which of these Valentine’s Day books to read aloud to your kids first!
