Valentine's Day is a fun holiday meant to celebrate love, not just romantic love, but all kinds of love. You can celebrate love for a sibling, a parent or care giver, a pet, a friend, or yourself. Not everyone loves Valentine's Day, some people find it sad, maybe because they have lost someone they love. Here are some great Picture Books to celebrate all kinds of love.
Picture Books are perfect for children who are not reading on their own yet, generally in the 3 to 6 age range, but they can be enjoyed at any age. These books rely heavily on pictures and illustrations to tell a story and are great for story time at the library or at home.
I Love You by Shige Chen
E Chen, S.
The journey of finding the words, "I love you." A young girl's three words escape and voyage around the globe, mending hearts and raising spirits. This imaginative tale of flight shows just how far a little love can go.
A universal story about love created by the collaboration between a Chinese writer and two Italian illustrators. Fairly new author Shige Chen brings a unique perspective on how our words can affect people all over the world.
Grumpy Monkey Valentine Gross-Out by Suzanne Lang
E Lang, S.
This holiday hardcover book is brimming with the same silly humor that characterizes all the beloved titles in the bestselling Grumpy Monkey series.
When Jim Panzee hears Oxpecker cooing over her doting boyfriend on Valentine's Day, he has just one thought: Gross. But Jim finds out that not everything about Valentine's Day is hearts and kisses. Jim learns there are different types of valentines and many kinds of love, such as love for a parent or for friends.
All That is You by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
E Capucill
All That is You celebrates the treasured bonds of love, joy, and inspiration shared by us all. Join us on a sunrise to sunset journey, full of giggles, wonder, and tenderness connecting everyone: parents, children, grandparents, and friends alike, everywhere. From Alyssa Satin Capucilli, the bestselling writer of the Biscuit series, comes a picture book ode to the warmth and affection that enriches generation to generation, family to family, and friend to friend. Paired with Devon Holzwarth's lush, expressive art, this is bound to become a classic readaloud story and a wonderful gift for parents, grandparents, baby showers, graduations, and other celebrations.
Slug in Love by Rachel Bright
E Bright, R.
Doug the slug needs a hug. But who wants to hug a slug called Doug? Snuggle up with lonesome Doug on his search for love in this completely charming picture book which shows that you just never know when love might come flying by... (And which introduces an unsuspecting world to snail superstar, Gail!)
A warm and endearing rhyming text by Rachel Bright (Love Monster, The Lion Inside) is perfectly paired with funny and fabulous illustrations by Nadia Shireen (Good Little Wolf, Billy and the Beast) in this adorable future classic.
No Hugs for Porcupine by Zoe Waring
E Waring, Z.
Poor Porcupine just cannot be hugged-his quills are too spikey! Each night, before settling down to sleep, all of Porcupine's forest friends hug each other goodnight. All except Porcupine, who feels left out-and grumpy! But when Armadillo shows him what a warm, fuzzy "kiss" is (even for a porcupine!), Porcupine is delighted and cannot wait to show his friends.
With adorable art, Zoe Waring's story of making the most out of your physical limitations is sure to win hearts. No Hugs for Porcupine is filled with love and friendship, and is the perfect gift for Valentine's Day, or any day that requires a hug and a kiss.
Love, Escargot by Dashka Slater
E Slater, D.
Today is Snailentine's Day, and Escargot is on his way to a party. Will his Snailentine be there? Maybe he will find another snail who also likes to read books and eat salad with a light vinaigrette.
But when he arrives at the party, Escargot is greeted not by a snail, but by a vole. Mon dieu! This is not a Snailentine's Day party at all. It is a Volentine's Day party! At first, Escargot wants to hide in his shell, but in the end, he finds a surprising new friend.
Love is for Roaring by Mike Kerr
E Kerr, M.
Hugs and kisses and lovey-dovey stuff isn't for all of us!
A not-too-sweet story about a fierce and grumpy lion who maybe does know what he loves after all.
Today the fierce, fearsome Lion is supposed to show his love. But that makes him grumpy.
With a simple, humorous text and playful illustrations from New York Times bestselling Renata Liwska, this story is a charming, unconventional exploration of the many ways there are to show our love!
See You Soon by Mariame Kaba
E Kaba, M.
From New York Times bestselling author Mariame Kaba, a poignant, beautifully illustrated story of a little girl’s worries when her Mama goes to jail, and the love that bridges the distance between them.
Even though I’m away, my love is always here to stay.
See you soon, Queenie.
Love, Mama
Hug Machine by Scott Campbell
E Campbell
Who have YOU hugged today? Open your arms to this delightfully tender, goofy, and sweet tale.
Watch out world, here he comes! The Hug Machine!
Whether you are big, or small, or square, or long, or spikey, or soft, no one can resist his unbelievable hugs! HUG ACCOMPLISHED!
This endearing story encourages a warm, caring, and buoyantly affectionate approach to life. Everyone deserves a hug—and this book!
Valenslime by Joy Keller
E Keller, J.
Victoria Franken, slime scientist, loved her slime. And her slime loved her back.
Ever since the dark and stormy night when Victoria Franken brought her slime to life, she and Goop have been great friends, but when Valentine's Day rolls around, Victoria comes to the horrifying realization that while she had many friends, Goop only had her.
The only solution is for her to make him a new friend. But when Victoria gets bored waiting for lightning to strike twice, things get a bit out of control!
Descriptions provided by the publisher and goodreads.
- Library Events
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Hawthorne Branch, Tuesday, Feb. 14, 3:30 p.m., ages 5-11
We've got the supplies, you bring the creativity: join us to make a fun heart shape to decorate a clip for your 'fridge. You can learn a few simple sewing stitches, glue on some buttons, draw a face with marker, or be a multimedia artist and combine some styles.