33 Best Valentine's Day Books for Preschoolers

Valentine’s Day books for preschoolers work best when they keep things simple, warm, and a little bit silly.

At this age, stories about friendship, kindness, and everyday affection tend to land better than anything overly romantic or abstract.

This list brings together picture books that preschoolers actually sit through and enjoy, whether you’re reading aloud at home, during classroom storytime, or as part of a low-key Valentine’s Day activity.

Most have short text, expressive illustrations, and themes that naturally connect to crafts, tracing worksheets, or making Valentine cards, making them easy to build into February learning without turning it into a big production.

Collage of Valentine’s Day books for preschoolers including Huggy Kissy, Hug Machine, Love Monster and the Last Chocolate, and Plant a Kiss.

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Preschool-Friendly Valentine’s Day Picture Books

These Valentine’s Day books are well suited for preschoolers who enjoy short, expressive stories with clear themes of kindness, friendship, and caring. The picks below work especially well for read-alouds, whether you’re sharing them at bedtime or during circle time.

Most have brief text and strong illustrations that help keep young listeners engaged, and several pair naturally with follow-up activities like coloring, tracing, or making Valentine cards.

Hug Machine by Scott Campbell

This one usually gets laughs right away. The text is short and repetitive in a good way, which makes it easy for preschoolers to join in once they catch the pattern. It’s especially nice for talking about affection in a light, non-romantic way, and it works well for read-alouds with wiggly listeners who don’t want a long story.

Love Monster and the Last Chocolate by Rachel Bright

This story works well for preschoolers who are still learning about sharing and big feelings. The chocolate hook keeps kids interested, but the real focus is on making thoughtful choices. It’s a good option if you want a Valentine book that feels funny and relatable rather than overly sweet.

Huggy Kissy by Leslie Patricelli

A solid pick for younger preschoolers and toddlers. The illustrations do most of the work here, and the text is minimal, which makes it great for quick reads or one-on-one time. It’s also helpful for talking about everyday affection and emotions without tying it strictly to Valentine’s Day.

A Crankenstein Valentine by Samantha Berger

This is a great choice for kids who don’t immediately love Valentine’s Day. The humor lands well with preschoolers who enjoy exaggerated emotions, and it opens the door to conversations about feeling overwhelmed by holidays. It’s fun without being sugary, which makes it stand out in February.

Groggle’s Monster Valentine by Diana Murray

This book pairs nicely with creative activities because the story focuses on making something meaningful rather than perfect. Preschoolers tend to relate to the idea of trying hard and messing up along the way. It works well after crafts or when you’re talking about effort and friendship.

Fancy Nancy: Heart to Heart by Jane O’Connor

This one works best with preschoolers who enjoy lots of visual detail. The illustrations give kids plenty to look at and talk about, which makes it a good choice for longer read-alouds or small groups. It’s also useful for introducing Valentine’s Day vocabulary without needing kids to follow a complicated plot.

Love Monster by Rachel Bright

Preschoolers tend to connect quickly with Love Monster because he feels a little out of place, just like many kids do at times. The story opens up gentle conversations about belonging and kindness without needing much explanation. It’s a solid pick when you want a Valentine’s book that goes beyond cards and candy.

Love You by Heart by Peter H. Reynolds

This book has a quieter tone and works well for slower moments, like bedtime or calm classroom reading. The text leaves space for discussion, which makes it nice for talking about what love looks like in everyday actions. It pairs especially well with simple follow-up activities like drawing or tracing hearts.

Snowy Valentine by David Petersen

This story feels cozy and familiar, especially in early February when winter is still very present. Preschoolers tend to enjoy following the character’s simple goal of finding the right gift. It’s a good bridge between seasonal winter books and Valentine’s Day themes.

Pete the Cat: Valentine’s Day Is Cool by James Dean

Pete the Cat books usually keep preschoolers engaged because of the rhythm and repetition, and this one is no different. The focus is on doing small kind things for friends, which makes it easy to connect to classroom or homeschool Valentine activities. It’s especially helpful for kids who like predictable, upbeat stories.

Plant a Kiss Board Book by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

This book works well with preschoolers because the idea is simple and visual: one small action can grow into something bigger. The pacing is calm, and the message is easy for young kids to grasp without much explanation. It’s a nice choice if you want a Valentine book that leads naturally into art, planting, or kindness activities.

Mr. Goat’s Valentine by Eve Bunting

Preschoolers enjoy the clear problem-and-solution structure in this story. Mr. Goat’s search for the right gift feels familiar to kids who like repetition and routine. It’s a gentle way to talk about thoughtfulness without turning Valentine’s Day into a lesson about buying things.

Here Comes Valentine Cat by Deborah Underwood

This is a good pick for preschoolers who enjoy humor and expressive illustrations. The dialogue-style text keeps the pace moving, and kids tend to enjoy guessing what the cat will do next. It works especially well as a fun read-aloud when attention spans are short.

A Charlie Brown Valentine

This one is best for older preschoolers who already know the Peanuts characters. The story introduces Valentine’s Day feelings that aren’t always perfect or happy, which can be helpful for kids who feel unsure about the holiday. It’s a good conversation starter rather than a high-energy read.

The Biggest Valentine Ever by Steven Kroll

Preschoolers usually respond well to the teamwork theme in this book. The idea of working together to create something bigger than planned is easy to relate to, especially if kids have done group crafts before. It pairs nicely with collaborative Valentine projects.

Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli

This story is longer than most on the list, so it works best for older preschoolers or when kids are already settled in. The kindness theme is clear, and children tend to enjoy noticing how Mr. Hatch changes as the story goes on. It’s a good choice if you want a Valentine book that feels meaningful without being flashy.

Amelia Bedelia’s First Valentine by Herman Parish

Preschoolers who enjoy silly misunderstandings usually find this one funny. The literal thinking fits well with how many young kids process language, and the Valentine’s Day setting feels familiar without needing much background. It’s a lighter pick that works well for read-aloud time.

Little Critter: Happy Valentine’s Day, Little Critter! by Mercer Mayer

This is a dependable option for younger preschoolers. The simple storyline and familiar character help kids follow along easily, and the everyday Valentine activities feel very relatable. It’s especially useful when you want something calm and predictable.

The Berenstain Bears’ Valentine Love Bug by Mike Berenstain

This book works well for preschoolers who already enjoy the Berenstain Bears series. The Valentine theme is gentle, and the focus stays on caring and thoughtfulness rather than gifts. It’s an easy transition read if you already use these books during the school year.

Related: Valentine's Day coloring pages

The Valentine Bears Gift Edition by Eve Bunting

This cozy story tends to work best for quiet moments. The pacing is slow, and the focus on preparing something special feels comforting rather than exciting. It’s a good fit for bedtime reading or smaller group storytimes.

Llama Llama I Love You by Anna Dewdney

This is a strong choice for younger preschoolers who enjoy rhyme and repetition. The familiar Llama Llama rhythm helps kids stay engaged, and the Valentine theme feels gentle rather than over-the-top. It works well for quick read-alouds when attention spans are short.

Bear Hugs! from Brown Bear and Friends (The World of Eric Carle)

Preschoolers are often drawn to the bold artwork first, then the simple message. This book is very short and works best as a calm, one-on-one read or paired with an art activity. It’s less about Valentine’s Day specifically and more about expressing affection in everyday ways.

Ollie’s Valentine by Olivier Dunrea

This is a sweet, low-key story that preschoolers tend to follow easily. Ollie’s search for the right Valentine mirrors the way young kids think through small problems. The soft illustrations and simple pacing make it a good fit for quieter classroom moments.

Love from The Very Hungry Caterpillar (The World of Eric Carle)

This book works best as a quick read rather than a full story. The familiar illustrations help preschoolers connect right away, and the short phrases make it easy to talk about different ways to show love. It pairs nicely with simple Valentine crafts or tracing pages.

Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentime by Barbara Park

This one is better suited to older preschoolers or early elementary kids who can follow longer dialogue. The humor tends to land with kids who enjoy strong personalities and school-based stories. It’s a good option if you want something a bit different from a traditional picture book.

Little Blue Truck’s Valentine by Alice Schertle

This one reads especially well aloud. The rhyme and repetition keep preschoolers engaged, and the familiar Little Blue Truck characters help kids follow the story easily. It’s a nice choice when you want something upbeat that focuses on friendship rather than Valentine hype.

The Dinosaurs Valentine’s Day by Amy Parker

Preschoolers who love dinosaurs usually latch onto this one right away. The rhyming text keeps things moving, and the Valentine theme feels playful rather than sentimental. It works well when you need a fun hook to hold attention during group storytime.

Loads of Love by Rosie Greening

This book tends to appeal to kids who prefer vehicles over characters. The text is simple, the illustrations do most of the storytelling, and the message stays focused on kindness and caring. It’s a good alternative if traditional Valentine books don’t land with your group.

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Rose! by Lucille Colandro

Preschoolers familiar with the series usually enjoy predicting what comes next. The Valentine twist keeps it seasonal without changing the familiar rhythm of the story. It works best as a lively read-aloud rather than a quiet bedtime book.

The Very Special Valentine

This is a softer, slower-paced story that works well for calmer moments. The focus stays on kindness and simple gestures rather than gifts or parties. It’s a good fit if you’re trying to keep Valentine’s Day low-key and inclusive.

The Berenstain Bears’ Extra Special Valentine

This one will feel familiar if preschoolers already know the Bear family. The story follows a simple Valentine routine, which helps young kids understand what’s happening without much explanation. It’s an easy, comfortable read that works well for classroom or bedtime use.

Pout-Pout Fish: Special Valentine by Deborah Diesen

Preschoolers who enjoy rhyme and expressive characters tend to like this one. The rhythm keeps the story moving, and the Valentine message stays light and friendly. It’s a good choice for read-alouds when you want something cheerful but not overly long.

Day It Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond

This book often sparks good discussion because the idea is imaginative but easy to follow. Preschoolers enjoy noticing the different hearts and thinking about what makes a good Valentine. It pairs especially well with follow-up activities like drawing, cutting, or tracing heart shapes.

Last Updated on 9 December 2025 by Clare Brown

33 Best Valentine’s Day Books for Preschoolers

Preschool-Friendly Valentine’s Day Picture Books

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Preschool-Friendly Valentine’s Day Picture Books

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