Growing In His Glory: 10 Valentine's Day Books for Your Little Ones

I'm a sucker for Valentine's Day.

Maybe it's the timing or the fun sparkly pink & red hearts everywhere (or both), but coming in the midst of a dark, wet winter, Valentine's Day is a bright, shiny distraction that I look forward to every year.

This year, in an attempt to pull myself out of what the Happiest Mom calls "a mom funk," I'm using Valentine's Day, with all its warmth and glitter, to motivate me to love more deeply those people most important in my life.

I have created a Valentine's Day table to inspire more love in our family and intend to share it with you very soon!

On my Valentine's Day table--easily accessible for the kiddos--are some of my favorite children's books associated with the holiday as well as other wonderful books about love.

Here are 10 of our favorite Valentine's Day {and every day} books:

**(1) I Love You, Little One by Nancy Tafuri**

The perfect book for when your little one asks either out loud or with that expression on her face, "Mama, do you love me?" {Do you know that look?} The answer of course is "forever, and ever, and always." A sweet book beautifully illustrated. A must for every home library.

(2) God Gave Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren

This is a favorite baby shower gift (along with #4). The conversations between Mama and Little Cub as she shares with her child how she came to be and how she & Papa prepared for her arrival is precious. My favorite line: "She felt happy and safe because God had given her--little her--to Mama and Papa, and they wouldn't trade her for the world."

(3) Yummiest Love by Lisa McCourt

I found this book at the library and fell in love with it because of how closely it resembles my relationship with my girls. It so captures the sweet intimacy between parent & child: "I love your never-ending surprises. Like when you hate broccoli. Then it's your favorite. Then you hate it. Then it's your favorite." {Can you relate?}

(4) Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

I received this book at a baby shower for our first child. The illustrations highlight the sweet relationship between father and son, Big & Little Nutbrown Hare, as they attempt to show how much each loves the other: "I love you right up to the moon--and back."

(5) The Valentine Bears by Eve Bunting

Another library find that is perfect for Valentine's Day. It details the love relationship between two bears who wake up in the midst of hibernation to celebrate Valentine's Day together. My kids love the "Crispy Critters" (crunchy dried beetles and bugs) the bears share together: "And then they went to sleep again until Spring."

(6) The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

Most people are familiar with this sweet book chronicling Chester Raccoon's first ~~day~~ night of school and the pain of leaving his mother. I try to read this book to my girls before they start on a new adventure, whether a new activity, school, or class, so we can talk about how Mama and Daddy's (as well as God's) love follows them wherever they go: "Chester loved his Kissing Hand. Now he knew his mother's love would go with him wherever he went. Even to school."

(7) A Pocket Full of Kisses by Audrey Penn

The sequel to The Kissing Hand, this precious book is perfect for families about to add a new baby to the mix. As Chester Raccoon questions his mother's love and how she can love both him and baby brother, we see how Mrs. Raccoon soothes her oldest son's fears by teaching him that her love is limitless: "No matter how many Kissing Hands I give you and Ronny, I will never, ever run out."

(8) And I Love You by Ruth Krauss

Beautifully illustrated by Steven Kellogg (Is Your Mama a Llama?), this book is about the intimacy of mother and child (cat and kitten), which is deepened by reading together. I love the rhythms and cadence: "Big forests...love little trees...big fields...love little flowers...big monkeys...love little monkeyshines...and I love you."

(9) Valentine's Day Is... by Gail Gibbons

Anytime we study a new season or holiday or anything science-related, I reach for Gail Gibbons. Her books are informative but in a child-friendly way with colorful illustrations and hands-on projects. This book is no exception: it explains the history of Valentine's Day: the origins, how people celebrate it, and why it's a special holiday. My favorite part: the "How to Make Your Own Valentines & Valentine Box" at the end. Definitely check this one out!

(10) I Love You Because You're You by Liza Baker

My oldest daughter is a people-pleaser {like her mama}, and I want her to know that no matter how many times she disobeys or is unkind, she is always loved by her daddy and me. This book so sweetly reassures little ones of their parents' unconditional love: "I love you any way you feel, no matter what you do. I love you any way you are. I love you because you're you."

What's your favorite Valentine's Day (or love-related) book for children?

Come back next week when I will share with you our Valentine's Day table/reading area.