Valentine's Day has been celebrated for centuries and although the true origins of this holiday that honors love and how it is shared are not really known, kids all across the U.S. will be giving and getting all sorts of heart-shaped treats on Feb. 14. Chocolate and sweets are just one way friends and lovers show their affection for one another during this wintertime holiday. Exchanging cards and having parties are another way Valentine's Day is celebrated.
Instead of giving young children more sugary snacks for Valentin'es Day, why not share some of these books about the love fest that are written just for kids? The following books are just right for toddlers and beginning readers. Each title celebrates love and Feb. 14 with a silly or sincere message.
Valentine's Day books for babies and toddlers
"Pigs in Love" by Teddy Slater and Aaron Boyd (Sterling Children's Books, Jan. 2013) The hilarious and adorable pigs in this book for toddlers find all sorts of ways to tell others they love them. Little ones will enjoy having it read to them aloud, while beginning readers will love reading the words on their own.
"Love You When..." by Linda Kranz (Taylor Trade Publishing, Nov. 2012) Although love is celebrated on Feb. 14, there are lots of reasons and times to say "I love you" to those who are special. Featuring her unique illustrations using painted rocks, this author expresses the situations and circumstances that remind her why she loves someone.
"10 Valentine Friends" by Janet Schulman and Linda Davick (Knopf Books for Young Readers, Dec. 2012) Ten friends gather together to make Valentine's Day cards for one another. With rhyming text, beginning readers will love counting from one to ten along with the friends.
"A Kiss Like This" by Mary Murphy (Candlewick, Dec. 2012) What would Valentine's Day be without kisses? In this cute children's book, all sorts of animals show how they kiss. Tall giraffe kisses to tiny mouse kisses are included.
"Splat the Cat: Funny Valentine" by Rob Scotton (HarperFestival, Nov. 2012) Splat the cat is back in this lift-the-flap book filled with valentine surprises.
"The Yuckiest, Stinkiest, Best Valentine Ever" by Brenda Ferber and Tedd Arnold (Dial, Dec. 2012) Leon just might be in love for the very first time in his life. But when he tries to find the perfect Valentine's Day card for the girl of his dreams, the card tells him love is yucky and runs away!
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