Estimated read time: 6-7 minutes
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THE LOVE BOAT — It's February, and there's a holiday coming up that people tend to have pretty mixed feelings over. No, it's not President's Day.
While some are baking all things heart-shaped and making reservations at a swanky restaurant, others are trying to not be conspicuously single while secretly burning pictures of their ex.
However you feel about Valentine's Day, it's a great time of year to celebrate the love we all feel for our fellow man, whether it's a romantic partner, a niece or nephew, or the adorable old man who greets you at Walmart every week.
If you want to celebrate Valentine's Day in the most harmless and adorable way ever, give these 10 heartwarming children's books a read with your favorite miniature valentine.
'I Love You Already!' by Jory John and Benji Davies
As an introvert who has many extroverted friends, this book was so relatable and awesome. Featuring Bear, who just wants to spend a peaceful day alone, and Duck, who desperately wants to spend a fun-filled day with Bear, this is the story of opposites attracting. Follow the misadventures of these two unlikely friends as they discover what's most important to them — each other.
'Town Mouse Country Mouse' by Jan Brett
OK, so this isn't your traditional Valentine's Day book, but it reads like a love letter to the places we plant roots. This entertaining story features two mice couples — one that lives in a town house and one that lives in the country. When the couples grow tired of the same-old, same-old, they decide to switch places. The town mice opt for the simple country life while the country mice dream of getting their paws on some cheese from a pantry. Only, the townies discover the country isn't that simple and requires some keen survival skills. And the country mice don't realize that sometimes cheese is paired with mouse traps. Join these mice as they learn the lesson that there is no place like home.
'Love Monster' by Rachel Bright
It's not easy being a funny-looking monster in a world of cute, fluffy things like kittens and puppies and bunnies. But this tenacious monster is determined to find love no matter how hard he has to try — and he has to try harder than most. In the end, he learns that sometimes we don't have to find love because love finds us.
'Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch' by Eileen Spinelli
Mr. Hatch is possibly the most boring guy in the world. He's employed at a shoelace factory, where he eats a cheese and mustard sandwich every day. He goes to bed early. He orders prunes for dessert. And to top it all off, he never smiles. But one Valentine's Day, he gets a special package along with a note that simply says, "Somebody Loves You."
Mr. Hatch doesn't know who his secret admirer is, but this note changes everything. He starts wearing brighter colors, smiling at everyone he comes in contact with, lending a helping hand to those around him, and sharing brownies and lemonade with neighborhood children. This book teaches an important lesson about small acts of kindness that change lives.
'Bear in Love' by Daniel Pinkwater
While Bear is foraging for something to eat one morning, he discovers something delicious one of the other forest animals left out for him. This makes him feel special. Soon, he and his special someone anonymously trade treats until they are finally able to meet, solidifying that special connection nothing brings quite like food.
'Plant a Kiss' by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
If you haven't had a chance to check out any of Amy Krouse Rosenthal's books, you definitely need to. In relatively few words, this whimsical, clever book tells a charming story of spreading love and not being afraid to share.
'This is Not A Valentine' by Carter Higgins
This extremely endearing book is for all the grade school boys out there who pretend to not have crushes, all while displaying romantic gestures in disguise. In this story, a boy gives his valentine not-so-fancy gifts all day, claiming that they aren't valentines. In the end, he can't hide his affection.
'In My Heart: A Book of Feelings' by Jo Witek
A girl, her heart, and the many feelings she has. This book is filled with fun illustrations and great descriptions of the myriad different feelings we all experience in life on a day-to-day basis. It's a great way to help your kids be mindful and recognize that it's normal to sometimes feel sad, happy, brave, hurt, shy, etc. Mr. Rogers would be proud of the conversation starter this book is between parent and child.
'Snowy Valentine' by David Petersen
It's Valentine's Day and Jasper Bunny has really left things to the last minute. He has no idea what to get for his wife, Lilly. He sets out in the snow to get some ideas from his neighbors, but nothing seems right. It's only after a long walk and a narrow escape from being cooked in rabbit stew that Jasper discovers he's inadvertently created the most beautiful gift he could for his sweet valentine.
'Roses are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink' by Diane de Groat
Gilbert's teacher has required him to write a valentine for each of his class members, but that doesn't mean he has to write all nice valentines. There are two people in his class who have wronged him, and Gilbert can't think of one kind thing to write to them. So instead, he writes nasty valentines and signs the wrong name so they won't discover it's him. Of course, the truth comes out, and Valentine's Day turns out to be a bit of a roller coaster for Gilbert.
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