Not only is Valentine’s Day a great day to show your sweetie that you love them, it’s also a wonderful opportunity to share the love of reading with that special child in your life! In honor of Valentine’s Day 2008, I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite Valentine’s Day-themed children’s books. Enjoy (and if you just happen to get chocolate on the pages, I won’t tell)!
Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli - Wonderful children’s book author Eileen Spinelli weaves a charming and powerful tale of love that you will remember long after the first reading. This one is a definite “must read.”
Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink by Diane de Groat - With a title like that, how can one possibly resist? Kids will relate to the plight of the main character in this sweet tale that deals with both kindness and teasing. It’s a perfect tale for guiding children through the ups and downs of classroom Valentine’s Day antics.
The Valentine Bears by Eve Bunting and Jan Brett - What could possibly keep Mrs. Bear from her hibernation schedule? Hint: it has to do with a very special Valentine for Mr. Bear! Two of my favorite authors combine their storytelling superpowers to create a lasting Valentine’s classic.
Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram - Although not a Valentine’s Day book per se, this is a perfect book to share with your special honey bunny on Valentine’s Day! This gentle story about the love shared between parent and child became an instant hit when it was first published by Candlewick ten years ago, and it still continues to be a bedtime favorite for kids and parents alike.
Stargirl and its sequel, Love, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli - Simply put, these are two of the best books ever written about young love. Jerry Spinelli perfectly captures the fine nuances of growing up, making mistakes, and forgiving yourself and others. The character of Stargirl will stay in your heart long after you’ve finished the books. She’s the girlfriend you wish you had… and the girl you always wanted to be. Somebody loves you, Mr. Spinelli!
These are just a few of some of my personal favorites – please tell us about some of yours!
1 response so far ↓
1 Karina // Feb 15, 2008 at 8:39 pm
One of the books that formed some of my ideals about love, while not being about love explicitly, is The Velveteen Rabbit. It’s a simplistic take, but it affected me. Through the child’s belief that the treasured nursery toys are real, they are made real. The transformative power of giving and receiving love is embodied by that dear, worn rabbit.
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