All Types of Books Perfect for Valentine's Day
This month I’m sharing with you some of my favorite children’s books for Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re looking for mentor texts for guided reading, popular kids titles for close reading activities, or just the best kids books to celebrate school holidays, this list is for you.
It includes several categories of children’s literature such as picture and chapter books, kid’s poetry books, and children’s read alouds. These titles would be excellent additions to your seasonal teaching resources.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a small amount should you make a purchase using one of the links at no extra cost to you. The earnings help cover the cost of this site.
Picture Books for Valentine’s Day
Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch, by Eileen Spinelli. My favorite Valentine’s book! After a mysterious gift is delivered to his house, lonely Mr. Hatch is surprised to learn that someone loves him. With a surprise ending, this book is a great reminder that everyone matters.
When an Elephant Falls in Love, by Davide Cali and Alice Lotti. A sweet tale of all the things an elephant might do after falling in love and a reminder that the best things in life are worth the wait.
Valentine's Day, by Anne Rockwell. The students of a class make valentines for their friend in Japan. Cute story of friendship among different cultures.
How do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?, by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague. As part of the popular series, this book reminds children that they are always loved no matter what they do.
Ballad of Valentine, by Alison Jackson. A cute book about a man who tries to woo his valentine, but she is clueless to his affection. Set to the tune of “Old Clementine.”
This Is Not a Valentine, by Carter Higgins. A super cute story of a boy who gives a girl all sorts of small gifts, but insists that none are valentines since they don’t fit the typical mold of pink, red, and sweet.
213 Valentines, by Barbara Cohen. Upset about having to attend a school for gifted students, Wade decides to send himself 213 valentines and pretend they are from celebrities.
One Zillion Valentines, by Frank Modell. A classic tale of two guys who decide to make valentines for everyone in their neighborhood.
Crankenstein Valentine, by Samantha Berger. Part of the popular series, one kid who hates all things valentines becomes Crankenstein on Valentine’s Day.
Here Comes Valentine Cat, by Deborah Underwood. The popular cranky cat is back! A funny story of the sarcastic cat learning his new neighbor might not be so bad after all.
Chapter Books for Valentine’s Day
Calendar Mysteries #2: February Friend, by Ron Roy. The second in a series of early chapter books, Bradley discovers a mysterious valentine that leads his classmates on a mission to find the owner of a sweet rabbit named Douglas.
Geronimo Stilton (#23): Valentine's Day Disaster, by Geronimo Stilton. This series was a huge hit in my classroom, especially among my boys. In this book, Geronimo fears his family and friends have forgotten him after receiving not one valentine.
Geronimo Stilton (#36): Geronimo's Valentine, by Geronimo Stilton. Another in the Geronimo series, Geronimo’s Valentine’s Day plans are interrupted when a famous painting goes missing in New Mouse City.
Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentine, by Barbara Park. Always a favorite series among my third grade girls! In this book, Junie receives a mushy valentine from a secret admirer. But who can it be?
Nate the Great and the Mushy Valentine, by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat. Another great early chapter book series. Nate’s Dog, Sludge, has received a secret valentine. Nate sets out to solve the mystery and put an end to the mushy stuff!
Willimena Rules! Rule Book #5: 23 Ways to Mess Up Valentine's Day, by Valerie Wilson Wesley. Willie finds a way to make a mess of the holiday while worrying she won’t receive any valentines.
Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew #12: Valentine's Day Secret, by Carolyn Keene. One of my favorite series growing up! In this book, Nancy discovers a mean valentine has been slipped into her friend’s, pocket. Nancy tries to figure out who sent the mean valentine - and why.
Captain Awesome Gets Crushed, by Stan Kirby. Part of an emerging reader chapter book series, Captain Awesome and Nacho Cheese Man fight the “evil” of all things pink and mushy. Great for those who aren’t fans of the holiday.
Nancy Clancy, Secret Admirer, by Jane O’Connor. A series of chapter books based on the beloved Fancy Nancy books. Nancy sets out to play matchmaker and discovers the value of true friendship.
Oh, Valentine, We've Lost Our Minds!, by Dan Gutman. For fans of the “My Weird School” series, this book tells the “weird” Valentine’s story about what happens when the class welcomes a French exchange student.
Poetry Books for Valentine’s Day
It’s Valentine’s Day, by Jack Prelutsky. Fourteen poems along the Valentine’s theme that are simple for kids.
Let's Celebrate Valentine's Day, by J. Patrick Lewis. Another collection of simple poems about Valentine’s Day.
Nonfiction Books for Valentine’s Day
Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Valentine's Day: With Love, Cards, and Candy, by Carolyn Otto. Students learn the history behind Valentine’s Day and how it is celebrated around the world.
The Story of St. Valentine: More Than Cards and Candied Hearts, by Voice of the Martyrs. The history of the man known as St. Valentine and the holiday that celebrates the actions of his life.
Valentine's Day (Holiday Histories), by Kathryn Imler. Another simple take on the history of Valentine’s Day.
Read Alouds for Valentine’s Day
Printable Valentine’s Day Book List
I’ve created a printable list of these titles for you to keep in your seasonal teaching resource file or take with you to the library or bookstore. You can find it in The Treasury. I also have this post about teaching the history of chocolate.
These are a few of my favorite titles - how about you? Do you have one to add to the list? Please share it below!
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