36 Best Valentine Books for Preschool: Picture Book List

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{updated Jan 28, 2025}

Valentine Books for Preschool. This booklist features kindness, compassion, and friendship. These concepts can be difficult concepts for kids to grasp. Being considerate of others does not always come naturally. Just like any other virtue, it must be modeled and practiced. However, reading picture books with toddlers and preschoolers is an excellent way to teach them how to share their care and love with their loved ones on Valentine’s Day.

While it’s essential to teach kindness and love throughout the year, February provides an excellent opportunity to focus on it for an entire month. In homeschooling, we encourage mailing letters, making cards, expressing gratitude to community workers, and being kind to everyone. Here are a few post office activities and also our annual kindness tree.

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36 Valentine Books for Preschool: A Lovely Picture Book Collection

1. Somebody Loves You Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli

In this sweet story, Mr. Hatch lives a lonely life. He receives a Valentine’s Day package that completely transforms his outlook. Mr. Hatch begins acting neighborly and showing love to others. But when he discovers the package was not intended for him, he becomes depressed. His neighbors become concerned and rally around him to express their love for Mr. Hatch.

2. Snowy Valentine by David Petersen

Jasper the bunny searches the snowy forest for the perfect Valentine’s gift for his loved one. He visits all the woodland animals for ideas. Unfortunately, during one visit, he nearly becomes dinner for the Fox’s wife. But, in the end, he gives her the perfect gift. This charming story is a delightful read that’s not overly sentimental.

3. The Valentine Bears by Eve Bunting

Typically, Mr. and Mrs. Bear snooze through Valentine’s Day due to their winter hibernation, but this year, Mrs. Bear has a surprise in store. She’s decided to wake up and celebrate the special day with her beloved Mr. Bear. I have only included two books that feature sweeties on the Best Valentine Books for Preschool booklist, but the books are appropriate for young children.

4. I’ll Love You Till The Cows Come Home by Kathryn Cristaldi

This is a perfect Valentine’s book for kids. The fun story takes you on a journey from astronaut cows and big-wheeled bike-reading frogs to Cadillac-driving yaks and sailor sheep in a humorous tribute to the old saying, “I’ll love you til the cows come home.”

5. PENDING: New 2024 Release “I’ll Love You Till the Crocodiles Smile“

I’ve had this one on hold at the library for quite a while. As soon as I have reviewed it, I will update my booklist. We love her book “I’ll Love You Till the Cows Come Home,” and have big expectations for the sequel.

6. Boxes for Katje by Candace Fleming

Katje’s town of Olst in Holland is devastated after After World War II. One day, Katje receives a package from an American girl named Rosie from Mayfield, Indiana. Katje sends a thankful letter, igniting a beautiful friendship. This story is so inspiring and filled with important lessons. I do not feel that I do it justice in this small summary. This is a wonderful book. This is one of my favorite books and you will find it on many booklists on my website. It also seemed one of the great Valentine’s Day books!

7. Twirl by Emily Lex

This is a precious book for young girls filled with beautiful watercolor illustrations and encouraging girls to become exactly who God created them to be.

8. Gabriella’s Song by Candace Fleming

For a young girl named Gabriella Menza, Venice was the “city of music.” She discovered melodies in the bustling marketplace, the narrow alleyways, and in her home. Gabriella carries this song with her wherever she goes, evoking a variety of emotional responses from the people she encounters.

9. Little Blue Truck’s Valentine by Alice Schertle

On February 14th, the beloved Little Blue Truck sets out to deliver Valentine’s Day cards to all his friends. However, as the day progresses, he begins to worry if he will receive any cards of his own.

10. Love, Escargot by Dashka Slater

Escargot is a cute French snail who is very excited and nervous to attend a Valentine’s party. The simple text and inactive fun make this a great choice for your Valentine’s picture books for your preschoolers. It would be a great read to help kids overcome mild social anxiety.

11. Nobody Hugs a Cactus by Carter Goodrich

Hank, the grumpiest and prickliest cactus in the desert. Despite his love for peace and isolation, a simple comment, “Nobody hugs a cactus,” sparks an unfamiliar feeling in Hank. Slowly but surely, a seed of desire to have a friend takes root in his prickly little heart. Hank is reminiscent of the stereotypical old man yelling at kids to get off his lawn who needs a friend. The beautiful illustrations convey the story and emotion clearly.

12. Click, Clack, Moo I Love You! by Doreen Cronin

Little Duck prepares the barn for the Valentine’s Day party. She makes the barn sparkle with lights and streamers and even creates a Valentine’s card for everyone. As the party gets underway, the music carries over the hilltops and attracts the attention of a curious little fox. All the animal friends stop dancing as the fox enters, but little Duck shows kindness and welcomes the little fox to join in on the fun.

13. How to Send a Hug by Hayley Rocco

In this sweet book, Artie wants to hug her grandmother but she’s so far away. So, she shows the readers how to send a handwritten letter. This sweet story is a great reminder of the power of thoughtful actions and words. Young readers will love this story, and it might spark a desire to send letters to their friends and distant family members.

14. Special Delivery by Philip C. Stead

In this humorous story, a spunky young girl named Sadie is on a mission to deliver an elephant to her Great-Aunt Josephine. Sadie is determined to bring this large companion to her lonely aunt. She files an airplane, boards a train, and even hitches a ride on an alligator.

15. Cranberry Valentine by Wende and Harry Devlin

This Valentine’s book from the Cranberry Port series was first published in 1986. It is being reprinted on February 1, 2025. I always fear text alternations when older books are reprinted. I’ll update my booklist once I read it myself. So this recommendation is pending.

16. Happy Valentine’s Day, Mouse! by Laura Numeroff

Mouse creates a heartfelt and special Valentine for each of his friends, highlighting what he loves most about each one.

17. Koala Lou by Mem Fox

A young koala named Koala Lou used to receive all of her mother’s love, but now she has to share her mom with her siblings. She feels forgotten, so she enters the Bush Olympics to compete for her mother’s attention and to hear her say, “I do love you, Koala Lou.” This is a great book to share with children of all ages.

18. Saint Valentine by Robert Sabuda

This picture book is a wonderful reminder of the origins of Valentine’s Day. The story begins in ancient Rome when a physician named Valentine treated the sick with medicinal herbs. Rather than seeking payment, he would accept whatever his patients could give. It was dangerous to be a Christian in Rome, and Saint Valentine was imprisoned and executed for his faith. As for the tradition of love letters, you will have to read the book. This is one of my favorite valentine books to share with my own children.

19. Valentine: God’s Courageous Evangelist by the Voice of Martyrs

This is a great book about the legend of Saint Valentine and how he dared to share Christ with Rome.

20. The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

“Once you are Real you can’t become unreal again. It lasts for always.” In this beloved book, a toy is transformed by a child’s love. At the end of the book, a fairy comforts the toy rabbit and turns him into a real rabbit. This story has truly lasted the test of time. This is a longer picture book.

21. The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown

The steadfast love and devotion of a mother are on display in this good book. A baby bunny imaginatively runs away from his mother. This book is a great way to reassure your little one that you will always be there for them no matter what.

22. Elmore by Holly Hobbie

This charming story is about a porcupine named Elmore who desires close friendship but faces rejection because of his spiky quills. In spite of this, Elmore makes an effort to connect with his forest community by giving them each a special gift.

23. Beauty and the Beast by Cynthia Rylant

It seems appropriate to include a few princess stories on Valentines Day. Cynthia Rylant’s retelling of Beauty and the Beast is simple and charming. Beauty’s bravery and sacrifice for her family are admirable. CONTENT WARNINGS: witch, magical references.

24. Sleeping Beauty by Cynthia Rylant

This beloved story has a bit of a twist with an angry fairy who cursed the sweet princess. This book is a simple retelling with vibrant illustrations. CONTENT WARNING: magical references.

25. Falling for Rapunzel by Leah Wilcox

The prince kneels for Rapunzel and requests that she throw down her hair. But Rapunzel cannot understand him and throws some interesting things at him from her high tower. (Underwear is tossed from her tower as she misinterprets his request for her to throw down her hair. Rather in rhyme, she tosses her underwear.) CONTENT WARNING: image of underwear.

26. Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare try their best to describe how much they love each other but soon discover that words cannot adequately express their love. Young children will love this cute story!

27. A Kiss for Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik

This delightful story is about a traveling thank-you kiss from Grandmother to Little Bear. The kiss is passed to Hen, to Cat, to Little Skunk, to a girl Skunk, and finally reaches Little Bear. And the skunks get married. That part always gets me tickled and seems a perfect fit on this Valentine Books for Preschool book list.

28. Love from the Very Hungry Caterpillar

Each page is adorned with our beloved character, Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and is filled with endearing ways to tell loved ones how much you care. From sweet sentiments to sparkling stars, this book is a delight for the youngest readers.

29. Llama Llama I Love You by Anna Dewdney

Our favorite bedtime read-aloud is Llama Llama Red Pajama, but this is a perfect llama book for your preschooler on Valentine’s Day. Little Llama creates heart-shaped cards hearts and shares lots of hugs with all those he loves. These are the only two llama llama books we have read.

30. Construction Site: You’re Just Right by Sherri Duskey Rinker

This interactive lift the flap board book is perfect for your little truck fans on Valentine’s Day. Every truck on the construction site receives a special message of friendship and appreciation.

31. Happy Valentine’s Day, Curious George!

In this sweet story, we celebrate Valentine’s Day with the famous Curious George and his friends, baking sweet treats, decorating, and making cards. As always, the curious monkey creates some mischief.

32. Corduroy by Don Freeman

A little girl named Lisa falls in love with this cozy teddy bear dressed in green overalls. Corduroy notices he is missing a button and hunts for his button so that he looks his best when Lisa returns to the department store. His desire for a home is strong, and Lisa gives him a home and friendship.

33. Happy Valentine’s Day, Corduroy!

Lisa and Corduroy get ready for their Valentine’s Day party.

34. Snuggle Puppy! (a love song) by Sandra Boynton

Warning: this text is catchy and will get stuck in your head. Snuggle Puppy is a cute board book written in the beloved and classic Boynton style. Content warning: The little puppy wears a cape and holds a star wand in one image.

35. I Love You, Little Pookie by Sandra Boynton

If you love Pookie, this one is a great one to grab for the youngest readers in your life.

36. Amelia Bedelia’s First Valentine by Herman Parish

This is a fun story about Amelia Bedelia’s childhood as a charming and literal-minded girl excited to receive her first Valentine’s Day cards. She makes Valentine’s Day cards for all her classmates and struggles to understand Valentine’s puns. She creatively corrects the cards but forgets her cards on the bus. Luckily, she is creative. Content warning: light reference to crush but Amelia is unaware.

Interested in More Booklists for Kids: Check These Out!

27 Books about Snow: A Picture Book Collection

Get the complete booklist HERE.

Best Picture Books about Compassion for Kids

Get the complete booklist HERE.

Picture Books About Perseverance

Get the complete list of favorite picture books about perseverance Here.

More Booklists Coming Soon!

Thanks for Stopping By!

Lastly, thank you for stopping by! Please say Hi in the comment section and share your favorite book on the Best Valentine Books for Preschool Booklist. Did I miss your favorite? Making these booklists with my daughters is always a blast. It’s worth noting that I didn’t include books that define love in an unbiblical way or discuss romantic love, as that’s not appropriate for preschoolers. If you enjoyed this booklist, be sure to subscribe to my mailing list for monthly picture booklists delivered right to your inbox.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

– With Great Joy, Katie

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