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 Eco kids can get into the February holiday spirit by sharing great Valentine’s Day-themed books at home or at school.
These children's Valentine's Day books are good read-alouds. Providing positive reinforcement for sharing and being kind to one another.
Try your local library, some will make good keepers as they can be read again and again that embrace love, touch the heart, kindle the spirit and enlighten the imagination ...
The Ballad of Valentine
The Ballad of Valentine, by Alison Jackson and illustrated by Tricia Tusa, both the verses and the art are clever, and funny.Will please toddlers, preschoolers, parents and grandparents. There are enough details to find something new every time. We have about six books in our Valentine's Day collection, and this is the most requested one, probably because I sing the text funny and it makes Thierry laugh. Definitely a keeper. A fun read for the young and old alike, 2 to 102.
(Picture Puffin Books)
The Story of Valentine's Day
The Story of Valentine's Day, by Nancy Skarmeas and illustrated by Stacy Pickett-Venturi, in only 200 words, is the story of how Valentine's Day came into being. In simple words that every child can understand, here is the story of the kindly Valentine who cared for the children of Rome, who prayed for a miracle for a blind child, and who is remembered each February 14.
Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch
Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli, wonderfully illustrates the power of love and would make an excellent Valentine's Day gift for a four to eight year old. It is a charming book with a powerful message. The importance of love and kindness comes through loud and clear. Even very young children will understand how good it is to feel loved and how important it is to help others feel loved. (Simon &Schuster, 1992)
Day It Rained Hearts
Day It Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond "One day it started raining hearts, She caught another, and another..." Cornelia Augusta couldn't believe her eyes as this unusual downpour began. Instead of water falling from the sky, it was raining hearts. She caught bunches of them in her hands and slicker, and took them home. After examining her hearts carefully, Cornelia Augusta knew just what she wanted to do with each and every one of them.... Felicia Bond has brought back her 1983 picture book, originally titled, Four Valentines In A Rainstorm, and it's as sweet and charming today as it was almost twenty years ago. Her simple and gentle text is kept to a minimum. The actual story is told through her engaging, bright and expressive artwork, as Cornelius Augusta plans and constructs the perfect Valentine for each of four special friends. Preschoolers will enjoy watching her create each unique card, and guessing as to who will be receiving it. With a Valentine sticker page at the end to help your little ones get started on their own special Valentine cards. The Day It Rained Hearts is an endearing holiday book that shouldn't be missed. The story is also a very opening one: there are always ways to create... no matter what the medium, what the celebration, whether the people are together or apart. Perfect for ages 3 -6.
Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day by Anne Rockwell, illustrated by Lizzy Rockwell, is set in a classroom where students are making Valentines for “special friends” including their classmate Michiko who is visiting her family in Japan It takes place in Mrs. Madoff's elementary school class. The children in her class come from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Perfect for three to six year olds. (HarperTrophy, 2002)
Arthur's Valentine
Arthur's Valentine, part of the Arthur Adventure Series by Marc Brown is another perennial favorite. In this classic, Arthur tries to find out the identity of his secret admirer. His incorrect guesses cause him to be teased by his friends, but he later discovers who that secret admirer really is. This is a great read aloud book for home or school, and is perfect for ages 4-8. (Little, Brown Young Readers, 1988)
Valentines Are For Saying I Love You
Valentines Are For Saying I Love You, by Margaret Sutherland and illustrated by Amy Wummer. This follow-up to the Sunderland’s favorite, Thanksgiving Is for Giving Thanks. A charming story of learning the real meaning of Valentine’s Day by making I Love You cards for everyone she loves, including her puppy! (Grosset & Dunlap, 2000)
Queen of Hearts
Here's another in Mary Engelbreit's beautifully illustrated series of Ann Estelle picture books. Ann Estelle loves to make things. She spends hours and hours creating an extravagantly decorated Valentine's Day box to hold the cards she'll receive from her classmates. She focuses so much on the box that she forgets to make Valentine's Day cards to give to her classmates. How creative thinking by Ann Estelle saves the day makes an entertaining story. (HarperCollins, 2005)
Too Many Valentines
Too Many Valentines by Margaret McNamara and illustrated by Mike Gordon. The story centers on class preparations for Valentine's Day and one little boy, Neil, who says, "I get too many Valentines. I do not want any more." The class honors his feelings and still includes him in the celebration. Level 1 ready to read book.
Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink
Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink written and illustrated by Diane de Groat. Deals with kindness and teasing. Teasing and hurt feelings are common among elementary school children. The author does a nice job of showing the consequences of both unkindness and kindness when exchanging Valentine's Day cards. (HarperCollins, 1996)
The Night Before Valentine's Day
The Night Before Valentine's Day by Natasha Wing, illustrated by Heidi Petach is a take off on the Clement Moore poem, The Night Before Christmas. At night the children dream of Valentine treats and enjoy a party at school the next day. Another great read-aloud, this book is perfect for ages 3-8. (Grosset & Dunlap, 2001)
Valentine Hearts Holiday Poetry
Lee Bennett Hopkins edited this collection of Valentine's Day poetry and also wrote several of the poems in this beginning reader. Ilustrated by Joann Aldinolfi.
The one dozen poems by a variety of poets range from humorous to sweet. The emphasis is on kids' emotions and experiences: feeling shy, feeling joy at receiving a Valentine, feeling blue at not receiving one, and feeling love - love for a pet, mother love, and more. (HarperCollins, 2005)
Guess How Much I Love You
Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney, with its captivating illustrations by Anita Jeram, is perfect for Valentine's Day. The small hardbound book has a red cloth cover with cover art of Little Nutbrown Hare inset. This story of the love between parent and child has become a classic since it was first published more than a decade ago. It would make a good Valentine's Day gift for both children and adults. (Candlewick Press, Gift edition, 2003. ISBN: 0763622400)
Valentine’s Day is a wonderful time for family and friends. Favorite holiday stories are just a start. After your children get into the Valentine’s Day spirit with these great books, have them make Valentine Cards, cooking and craft activities to share with their friends and family members.
What are some of the children's Valentine's Day books that your children particularly enjoy?
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