Last Updated: February 15, 2024
Love is all around even when it’s not February and the Valentine’s Day season! So in the spirit of love, here are our favorite children’s books about love – unconditional love, family, friendship, hugs, and Valentines. Great for toddlers, preschoolers, and younger kids. The first half of this list is more unique love books that we’ve found, and the second half of the list are some crowd favorites featuring some familiar characters and series books.
Our Favorite Children’s Books About Love
Love is a Truck – by Amy Novesky, Illustrated by Sara Gillingham. This short book is about a kid that loves their trucks. If you have a truck lover in your home, they’ll definitely relate to this one. From fire trucks to ice cream trucks and construction trucks. This is a favorite in our house! Note there is also a cute looking Love is a Tutu by the same author/illustrator but I haven’t read it!
Powell’s, Amazon $12
While We Can’t Hug – by Eoin McLaughlin, Pictures by Polly Dunbar. This book was perfect for COVID times, and still relevant for winter cold season! A great way to explain loving others but giving space for preschoolers who need some help with distancing their affection when someone has a cold. So the hedgehog and tortoise show us that there are lots of ways to show someone you love them. I have the Kindle book for this one and my preschooler loves to “read it” on my Kindle iPhone app.
Powell’s $16, Amazon Kindle $2
The Wonderful Things You Will Be – by Emily Winfield Martin. This instant classic is a growing up poem about unconditional love of parents and the hopes and dreams we have for them now and always. This book is so sweet. And beautifully illustrated.
Powell’s $12, Amazon $11
In My Heart – A Book of Feelings – by Jo Witek, Illustrated by Christine Roussey. In My Heart is all about feelings and emotions. It puts names to how our hearts can feel. I love this one for helping young kids identify their emotions in how they’re feeling. The cut out heart that is part of every page is also really fun, especially for younger kids.
Powell’s $12, Amazon $9
Hug Machine – by Scott Campbell. This book has a fun and silly element to it all about the power of a good hug.
Powell’s $8, Amazon $7
Love is… – by Diane Adams and Illustrated Claire Keane. The story of a little girl and a duckling and that to love is to take care of. A nice example of the responsibility of pet ownership. And that to love is to also let go. Deep one here folks! Ha!
Powell’s $16, Amazon $14
The Invisible String – by Patrice Karst, Illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff. This classic book is a little different than the other books on this list, but still has a place with love. Because with love comes loss. This book handles grief, loss, and separation. We are always connected to the ones that we love.
Powell’s $9, Amazon $12
Hair Love – by Matthew A Cherry, Illustrated by Vashti Harrison. A sweet story about a father and daughter and loving what makes us unique. A wonderful look at self-love and confidence, and highlighting the black experience.
Powell’s $18, Amazon $12
Slugs In Love – by Susan Pearson, Illustrated by Kevin O’Malley. Kiddos love this kinda weird book, and it will make parents laugh too. We have a kid who is into banana slugs so this book is pretty funny. It also covers shyness and perseverance.
Powell’s $8, Amazon $12
Love Makes a Family – by Sophie Beer. What makes a family? Love. This book is a great read for all kids. While the no-brainer of this book is how great it is for different types of families seeing themselves represented (one parent, two moms, grandparents, two dads etc), I think it’s equally as important for kids in homes with a more traditional makeup (mom/dad). And teaching them that families come in all different packages. And that we all have things in common and love.
Powell’s $12, Amazon $11
Love from the Crayons – by Drew Daywalt, Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers. Great for fans of the The Day the Crayons Quit. It covers all the colors of the rainbow, and with a sense of humor – the ups and downs of love. So this is a good one for Oliver Jeffers fans too.
Powell’s $10, Amazon
Pete the Cat Valentine’s Day is Cool – by Kimberly and James Dean. A fun story for Pete the Cat fans. I like this one for how it introduces Valentines Day and the custom of giving/exchanging Valentine’s cards. A nice way to introduce a new concept for younger kids. There’s also Pete the Cat’s Groovy Guide to Love, but it’s more a collection of well-known love quotes, so most kids won’t find it as fun.
Powell’s $11, Amazon $9
Little Blue Truck’s Valentine – by Alice Schertle, Illustrated by Jill McElmurry. You know the drill, it’s the Little Blue truck. So if you are tired of reciting the Little Blue Truck to your kiddo, here’s a new story for you to memorize. :) A fun seasonal book for babies and toddlers.
Powell’s $14, Amazon $9
Llama llama I love you – by Anna Dewdney. We never got too into the llama llama books in our house. But if you have a kiddo that is a llama llama fan, this book is pretty sweet with the usual characters. Great for babies and toddlers.
Powell’s $6, Amazon $10
Love from the Very Hungry Caterpillar – by Eric Carle. Another familiar character for Hungry Caterpillar fans. This isn’t groundbreaking territory here, but if your kiddo is into Eric Carle books, they’ll love (see what I did there?) this book.
Powell’s $9, Amazon $6
Happy Valentine’s Day Mouse – by Laura Numeroff, Illustrated by Felicia Bond. Valentine’s Day antics with our favorite Mouse. If you give a mouse a cookie…
Powell’s $4, Amazon $6
And as always, your local library is a great place to try out seasonal books! We hope you love reading these books with your kiddos.
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