Valentine’s Day is so much fun, especially with little kids. They have so much excitement! With Valentine’s games, crafts, treats, and cards, who wouldn’t get excited?! My favorite thing to do is use books as a jumping-off point. So, I am sharing some fun Valentine’s Day books kids will love.
Valentine’s Day Books and Activities
There are so many Valentine’s Day books out there! I decided to narrow it down to a few I used to use in my home and in my preschool. Not only will you find books by themes, but also some simple activities to do with each book.
I used to read the Valentine’s Day books throughout the month of February. The kids would get excited waiting for the “big day” to arrive.
So, here are some cute books to use with your kids. Read them, and try some of the activities.
Valentine’s Day Book By Theme
Thinking of Others
- The Day It Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond– One day, it begins raining hearts, and a little girl collects them. She realizes that each heart is different and special, just like her friends. She sets to work to use the hearts for special Valentine’s for those in her life.
- Happy Valentine’s Day, Mouse by Laura Numeroff – Mouse makes Valentines for his friends. Each one is as special as them.
Activity:
Both of these books have the theme of thinking of others. Encourage your kids to think of what makes each person in their life special and make cards unique for each of them.
Valentine’s Day Fun
- Secret Valentine by Laura Damon– Molly Mouse receives a secret Valentine and begins to search for who it is from. After asking around, she finally finds her secret Valentine.
Activity:
Encourage kids to create Secret Valentine cards (or little gifts) to leave for others.
- Amelia Bedelia’s First Valentine by Herman Parish– Amelia Bedelia is trying to navigate her way through Valentine’s Day. As usual, she misunderstands a lot! Kids will be laughing at Amelia Bedelia’s mistakes.
Activity:
Make a list of idioms Amelia Bedelia gets wrong in the story. Discuss the real meaning of each one.
You could also make some real Valentine’s Day punch (not like the punch Amelia Bedelia gets confused about).
Love
- The Kiss Box by Bonnie Verburg – Little Bear is struggling with the thought of Mama Bear leaving him for a little while. He has a good idea to keep Mama Bear close to him even when they are apart.
Activity:
Though not a Valentine’s Day book, I love the idea of a Kiss Box. It would make a great Valentine’s Day craft for kids. You can make little paper boxes and fill them.
Valentine’s Day Books with Lessons of Kindness
- Be My Valenslime by J.K. Arden– Greta and Harris are neighbors. Harris once played a trick on Greta, and she sees her chance to get back at him on Valentine’s Day. Once she starts, they both play tricks on one another throughout the day. Things escalate, but in the end, they work things out.
- Roses are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink by Diane de Groat- Gilbert needs to make Valentine cards for his classmates. However, he has a couple of classmates that have hurt his feelings. He needs to decide if he makes them nice cards or not.
These books would be good for elementary kids. They are great for talking about kindness.
Activity:
A great activity after reading these books is making Valentine’s cards with poems in them. Both books use a simple poetry format the kids can use.
Another follow-up activity you can do with Be My Valenslime is make Valentine’s Day picture frames like in the book.
For Roses are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink, you could make Valentine’s Day cookies and decorate them. Another fun treat is Valentine’s Day Brownie Bites.
{YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Valentine’s Day BINGO and Valentine’s Day Crafts for Kids}
Valentine’s Day Book Fun
No matter how you celebrate Valentine’s Day in your home, Valentine’s Books are a great addition to the month of February. These books are perfect for read-aloud. You can choose whether to read them for fun or add in some activities. Spreading the books over a few days will add to the excitement leading up to the day.
Now go get a copy of some of the Valentine’s Day books above (libraries are great), and start planning out some reading fun with your kids.
