Picture Books About Love

New York Times bestselling author Todd Parr is known for his warm, inclusive storytelling, and The I Love You Book is one of his best. My children loved the bright illustrations and rhythmic repetition, and I loved the message of unconditional love between caregivers and children.

The Construction Site series is a huge hit with young truck enthusiasts everywhere, and this board book makes the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. In this edition, each member of the construction crew receives a special note just for them. Young children will love lifting the flaps to read the secret messages and guess the mystery writer.

This board book takes one simple shape–a heart–-and uses it to create animals like a yak, penguin, fox, and more. Little animal lovers will learn that the heart can feel all sorts of ways— from crafty and cool to hopeful and quiet.

Smooch! A kiss! It’s stuck on you/the love inside is just like glue. This heartwarming and hilarious picture book highlights the permanent bond between child and caregiver. Young children will be drawn to the rhyming text and colorful illustrations that show how different types of families love one another.

The Lonely Otter is the heartwarming story of Otto, a shy otter who struggles to make friends. When he spots another otter all alone, he thinks he may have found a kindred spirit–but he’s not sure he has the courage to approach her. This book shows young readers how being alone doesn’t necessarily mean being lonely, and that making friends doesn’t have to be scary.

After a long time apart, Rosie is so excited to see her Abuela and tell her all about her life– a good grade, a new puppy, a funny fact she learned. However, Rosie suddenly remembers that she doesn’t speak Spanish, and Abuela doesn’t speak English! How will they communicate? I Love You Mucho Mucho teaches children a simple but powerful message: love has a language all its own.

Even though my children are older, Bluey is still incredibly popular in our house, and this book is an adorable addition to our picture book collection. In Love from Bluey, Mum reads Bingo a bedtime story all about the meaning of love, while Dad simultaneously attempts to get a resistant Bluey ready for bed. This is a great Valentine’s gift for any Bluey-loving kid.

Viking in Love Follows Stig, a Viking who loves fresh air, hearty stew, and adorable kittens. However, Stig isn’t like most Vikings in one way–he’s afraid of the sea. When Stig sees Ingrid, he immediately falls in love, but before he can express his feelings, Ingrid sails off. Imaginative and laugh-out-loud funny, Viking in Love explores how to overcome your fears for those you love.

Written by award-winning author Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Paris Rosenthal, Dear Girl is an inspiring book that empowers young girls to embrace their unique qualities and love themselves for who they are. The book’s text and illustrations reinforce the message that every girl is  important and powerful, with a valuable place in the world.

This book explores self-love and acceptance and assures young readers that feeling sad, afraid, or angry is a normal part of life. I Am Love encourages self-care and compassion during tough times, and includes calming yoga poses and a guided meditation for kids to follow. This is a perfect book for any age.

Cupig does her best to spread love each Valentine’s Day. But when a storm blows in and sends her arrows off course, everything gets mixed up. Kids will love the weird matches that result from Cupig’s mistakes–such as Peanut Butter leaving Jelly for…Anchovies? A fun and lighthearted rhyming book perfect for a Valentine’s read aloud.

This poetic picture book highlights the strength of love and family relationships. Told from the grandmother’s point of view, Like So compares her love for her granddaughter to the seasons and nature. The language is simple, but the effect is calming and powerful.

“Little Friend” sets out to make their very first Valentine, but it turns out to be harder than they realize. Little Friend wants to make the perfect heart-shaped Valentine, but can’t seem to cut the shape correctly. Instead, Little Friend’s scissors make a circle, then a square, then a rectangle, and so on. Kids will identify with Little Friend as they experience the frustration and excitement of trying something new.

This rhythmic book celebrates all the hopes and dreams that parents have for their children, and is our family’s very favorite picture book about love. Both adults and children will adore author/illustrator Emily Winfeld Martin’s gorgeous artwork celebrating new beginnings and infinite possibilities.

This book teaches young readers how to share their love even with those who are far away. Written by award-winning author Susan Katz, Share Your Love explains the mindfulness practice of “lovingkindness” in an accessible, relatable way. The book encourages the reader to embrace stillness to send healing thoughts to yourself and others–even people you might not like. A perfect introduction to meditation and mindfulness for children.

Dandan and Yueyue are two best friends who must say goodbye when Dandan moves to America. They spend one last night together with their favorite winter tradition: crafting paper snowflakes and hanging them outside as ornaments. Yueyue gives Dandan a parting gift to make the snowflakes with someone new–but will she be able to find a friend in a strange country? This picture book is based on the author’s own immigration experience and is a touching look at the power of friendship, tradition, and kindness.

This inspiring story of Michelin-starred chef José Andrés inspires kids to love and care for their communities. José Andrés is the humanitarian founder of World Central Kitchen, a global organization that provides free meals to people affected by disasters, and his story is amazing. The book emphasizes the significance of food in different cultures and shows how food is a universal sign of love that unites us all.

Love Birds tells the story of Jon, a quiet little boy who preferred to listen to birdsong than talk to people. He especially loved listening to owls hoot in the darkness, and loved trying to mimic their call. One day Jon meets a little girl who makes him want to talk–about everything–but especially about birds. Kids will love the beautiful artwork in this gentle book.

This book celebrates the power of hugs in a delightfully silly way: by showing all the ways animals can hug! In search of the perfect hug, a (human) child experiences seahorse smooches, walrus wiggles, penguin pecks, porcupine prickles, and more–but are they the perfect hug for him?

Corduroy the Bear has delighted children for over 50 years, and in this latest book, Corduroy and Lisa get ready to share Valentine’s Day with their friends and family. Children will love following along as the two friends make cards for their friends, bake heart-shaped cookies, and decorate for a very special celebration.