Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate love in all its forms—romantic, familial, and friendly. One of the most meaningful ways to do this is by starting a tradition of creating Valentine’s Day baskets for your kids, similar to Easter baskets. Filled with books, candy, and a heartfelt card, these baskets can teach children that Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance—it’s about showing love and appreciation for the people who matter most.
Here’s a list of heartwarming Valentine’s Day books to include in your basket that celebrate love, kindness, and friendship for kids of all ages.
Books for Toddlers and Preschoolers (Ages 1-5)
1. Love Monster by Rachel Bright
This adorable story follows Love Monster as he searches for someone to love in a world of fluffy, cute creatures. A perfect tale about finding love in unexpected places.
2. Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
This classic picture book tells the sweet story of Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare, who try to express how much they love each other.
3. Llama Llama I Love You by Anna Dewdney
Join Llama Llama as he spreads love on Valentine’s Day by giving homemade cards and hugs to his friends and family.
4. The Biggest Kiss by Joanna Walsh
A playful book that celebrates all the different kinds of kisses, with charming illustrations that toddlers will adore.
5. Hug Machine by Scott Campbell
This delightful story is about a little boy who loves to give hugs to everyone and everything, spreading warmth and joy wherever he goes.
Books for Early Readers (Ages 6-8)
6. Pete the Cat: Valentine’s Day Is Cool by James Dean
Pete the Cat learns about the joy of giving as he makes Valentine’s Day cards for all his friends, discovering that Valentine’s Day is truly cool.
7. A Crankenstein Valentine by Samantha Berger
Follow Crankenstein as he grumbles through Valentine’s Day until he discovers the unexpected joys of the holiday.
8. The Day It Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond
This whimsical story follows Cornelia as she catches hearts falling from the sky and uses them to create personalized valentines for her friends.
9. Amelia Bedelia’s First Valentine by Herman Parish
In classic Amelia Bedelia fashion, this story mixes humor and heart as she navigates her first Valentine’s Day.
10. Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli
This touching tale about a lonely man who receives an anonymous Valentine will teach kids about the power of kindness and connection.
Books for Middle Grade Readers (Ages 9-12)
11. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
This timeless tale of friendship and sacrifice between Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider is a must-read for all ages.
12. The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
A heartwarming story about an artistic gorilla who forms a bond with a baby elephant and learns the true meaning of friendship.
13. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Anne’s journey of finding love and friendship in her new home of Green Gables is a classic that inspires readers of all ages.
14. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
This powerful story about a boy with facial differences teaches empathy, kindness, and the value of true friendship.
15. Love That Dog by Sharon Creech
Told through poetry, this moving story explores a boy’s love for his dog and how he learns to express his feelings through writing.
Books for Teens and Young Adults (Ages 13+)
16. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
This poignant story of love and friendship between two teens facing terminal illness will touch the hearts of young readers.
17. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
A heartfelt tale of first love and the struggles of being true to oneself, set in the 1980s.
18. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
This story about identity, love, and friendship explores the journey of Simon as he navigates a secret romance and coming out to his friends.
19. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
Lara Jean’s letters to her past crushes become public, leading to unexpected friendships and love.
20. Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
A love story about a girl who has spent her life in isolation and a boy who shows her the world outside her walls.
Valentine’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to nurture a love for reading while teaching kids about kindness, love, and friendship. A thoughtfully curated Valentine’s basket filled with books, treats, and heartfelt notes creates a lasting tradition that shows your children how special they are.
So, choose a few titles from this list, add some sweet surprises, and make this Valentine’s Day a celebration of love that your kids will remember forever. Happy Valentine’s Day!
