12 Great Books About Love & Valentine’s Day for Preschoolers

I rushed in the door, quickly setting aside my work bag and heading straight for the kitchen. My mind, still distracted from work tasks, was focused on one thing, getting dinner on the table before bedtime.

I kicked a tricycle out of the way only to trip over something else. I caught myself and looked down, annoyed that my tasks had been disrupted by…shoes in the middle of the kitchen.

“Liam!” I yelled. “Can you please put your shoes where they belong?” I asked/ordered tensely.

Our preschoolers can test our limits in the most stressful times. Shoes in the kitchen, toys all over the living room, and the constant “why” question can make for lots of negative interactions.

That’s why it’s so important to build in positive interactions that assure them of our love.

What better time to do that than Valentine’s Day and what better way to do it than with some great books?

Research has identified love as one of the key factors in raising children to become happy, successful adults.

“Saying and showing you love your kids can overcome almost any parenting “mistakes” you might make. Even when your kids have disobeyed, angered, frustrated and rebelled against you, show them you love them and that you’ll always love them.”

(Rotbart, 2024)

So grab a great book and let your child know you love them today.

I’ve put together this list of the best Valentine’s Day books for preschoolers. Use these books to remind your preschooler of how much you love them this Valentine’s Day.

As a bonus, one of the best ways you can show love to your child is to spend quality time with them. So curl up and read some great Valentine’s Day books to tell and show your preschoolers how much you love them.

12 Great Books About Love & Valentine’s Day for Preschoolers

1. The Day It Rained Hearts Felicia Bond

In The Day It Rained Hearts,* Cornelia Augusta is surprised to find that it’s raining hearts one day. She decides to catch them and create a unique Valentine for each of her friends and family members.

This sweet book about kindness and intentionality will have your preschooler thinking about how they can make Valentines for their own friends.

2. Love You By Heart Peter H. Reynolds

Love You By Heart is a great and fun way to let your child know that they are loved by you—on their good and bad days. The ending also leaves the child with a challenge to reach out and show their love to someone in an unexpected way today.

This adorable story is a great way to let your young child know they are loved and to encourage them to practice showing love to others.

3. Amelia Bedelia’s First Valentine Herman Parish

As with all Amelia Bedelia books, Amelia Bedelia’s First Valentine is a humorous tale about all the ways Amelia Bedelia gets Valentine’s Day wrong.

Your preschooler will love laughing at the ways Amelia Bedelia misunderstands Valentine’s Day in this cute story. And these books are a great way to talk about what we mean when we say certain things. Plus, it’s full of colorful illustrations, making the book fun to read.

4. In My Heart Jo Witek

Though not a Valentine’s Day book, In My Heart is a great book to help talk about feelings, and is perfect to introduce on Valentine’s Day. The little girl in the book, discusses different feelings in her heart and how she can identify them.

This simple book is perfect for giving your child the terminology to understand their feelings. What better time to talk about that than Valentine’s Day when we talk about feelings of love and friendship?

5. The Invisible String Patrice Karst

When a storm hits, Liza and Jeremy rush out of bed to find their mom. She tells them the story of The Invisible String. A string that connects all people who love each other, even when they aren’t together.

The Invisible String is not specifically a Valentine’s book but it’s a sweet story with beautiful illustrations about how love ties us all together. It’s a great way to assure your child that he/she is loved.

6. Love From the Crayons Drew Daywalt

In Love From the Crayons, love comes in all different colors. Each color shows love in a different way. Love is helpful when it’s green, silly when it’s pink, and stormy when it’s blue.

I love that this cute book shows kids that we can experience all types of emotions while loving someone. We can love someone even when we’re sad or angry. This is a great way to assure our children that we always love them, even when they may not understand our behavior.

7. Grumpy Monkey Valentine Gross-Out Suzanne Lang

Grumpy Monkey is grossed out by all the couples he sees on Valentine’s Day. Couples gushing over one another, staring into each other’s eyes, and kissing is all gross. But Valentine’s Day isn’t only for romantic love. Grumpy Monkey learns that Valentine’s Day is about showing love to everyone we appreciate in our lives.

Grumpy Monkey Valentine Gross-Out is a fun way to address some of the aspects of Valentine’s Day that kids might not understand. And it’s a great way to teach young children that Valentine’s Day is making everyone you love, feel loved. Plus, it’s the perfect Valentine’s Day book for a little boy.

Related: Dinosaur Books for Preschoolers

8. Meet February April Martin

February, who of course loves all things February—like Ground Hog’s Day, Black History, and Valentine’s Day—is excited for Valentine’s Day. Her favorite part of February is February 14th. But when she loses her Valentine’s Day cards, who will help her find them?

These monthly books are a great way to introduce your child to each month. They include the traditions and holidays from each month and stories that fit the time of year. Use Meet February to introduce your child to all things February.

9. Franklin’s Valentines Paulette Bourgeois

Franklin spends lots of time making his own Valentines for all of his classmates, only to realize he’s lost them. He’s so upset. He can’t imagine how anyone would give him a Valentine when he has nothing to give them in return. But in a true show of kindness, his classmates rally together to help him feel loved during this disappointing time.

Franklin’s Valentines is a heart-warming tale that teaches children about disappointment and kindness. And reminds us all that Valentine’s Day isn’t about sweet treats, but showing those in your life how much you love them.

10. Love is My Favorite Thing Emma Chichester Clark

Plum loves all kinds of things, but love is his favorite thing. Plum loves his family and neighbors, but when Plum misbehaves at the park, will his family still love him?

This is a fun book for preschoolers because sometimes they misbehave. And sometimes our interactions can feel less than loving. Discipline has to happen. But Love is My Favorite Thing shows them that love is consistent, no matter what their behavior.

11. Pinkalicious: Pink of Hearts Victoria Kann

Pinkalicious loves everything Valentine’s Day. She’s so excited to make a special Valentine for her best friend. But when these best friends don’t agree on Valentine’s style, how will Pinkalicious handle it?

Pinkalicious: Pink of Hearts helps discuss disappointment with preschoolers. It’s a great conversation starter and a way to begin developing empathy. Plus, it teaches young preschoolers what they can expect from Valentine’s Day.

12. Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch Eileen Spinelli

Mr. Hatch follows his routine each day without incident. Until he receives a surprise box of chocolates on Valentine’s Day. Knowing that he has a secret admirer transforms his days. Suddenly, he’s upbeat and happily helping everyone in town. But does someone really love Mr. Hatch? Or was it all a mistake?

Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch helps us see how much being loved can change someone. And it teaches us all the importance of telling others how much we love them.

So next time you feel in a rush to make dinner, maybe take a moment instead and sit down with your preschooler. Read some great books that show them lots of love. I hope this list of my favorite Valentine books leads you to some great ones. And I hope you and your preschooler have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Want to instill a love of reading in your young readers? Don’t forget to sign up for my free email course on raising readers.