Best Valentine's Children's Books

One of the best ways to celebrate a simple holiday is to read themed children's books to your kids. Here are some of the best reviewed and most enjoyed Valentine's Day children's books to read to your kids this year.

The Story of Valentine's Day by Nancy Skarmeas (Candy Cane Press, 1999) briefly (in only 200 words) tells the story of the original St. Valentine who cared for Italian children in Rome, prayed a miracle for a blind child and is now honored every Valentine's Day. Brightly painted scenes by Stacy Pickett-Venturi introduce children to Rome. The condensed format is great even for toddlers.

Lilly's Chocolate Heart by Kevin Henkes (HarperFestival, 2003) walks children through one of the biggest decisions of the holidays - what to do with that last piece of candy. Lilly has one red-foil-wrapped chocolate heart left and she's trying to find the perfect hiding place for it. The simple text is printed on heavy board pages to attract toddlers to a read-aloud story time.

Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch written by Eileen Spinelli and illustrated by Paul Yalowitz (Simon and Schuster, 1992) explores grumpy Mr. Hatch who lacks certain social skills until he receives a mysterious box of chocolates for Valentine's Day. Who would sent him those chocolates? Discover who, and how it changes Mr. Hatch, with your child.

Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney, with illustrations by Anita Jeram (Candlewick Press, Gift Edition 2003), is the classic dialogue between Little Nutbrown Hare and his father Big Nutbrown Hare during a bedtime competition about who loves whom more. The newest gift edition in hard-bound with a red cloth cover.

Valentine Hearts Holiday Poetry by Lee Bennett Hopkins, with illustration by JoAnn Adinolfi (Harper Collins, 2005) lets children explore their emotions in a range of poems, some by Hopkins. A dozen poems deal with childhood experiences such as loving pets, loving parents, feeling shy, happiness at getting a Valentine and being sad about not getting a Valentine.

Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink by Diane de Groat (HarperCollins, 1995) gives your child a colorful cast of animal characters dealing with teasing in the classroom. Elementary school children can read about characters who understand the good and bad that comes with Valentine's Day card giving.

Olive, My Love by Vivian Walsh and J. Otto Seibold (Harcourt, 2004) brings back the adorable dog from Olive, the Other Reindeer when her winged friend Dexter drops a giant heart at Olive's door. Olive thinks it's a mistake and sets out to return the heart to Dexter's lofty home on the cliff. But then she finds out it's a Valentine's Day present just for her.