While chocolate may be the source of Valentine's Day excitement for older children, I like to think a good stack of fresh board books for the 3 and under crowd will be just as exciting. Here's a list of thirteen recommendations (in no particular order).
Construction Site: You're Just Right by Sherri Duskey Rinker & illustrated by AG Ford.
The Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site team is back for a surprise-filled Valentine's Day excavation! As each truck finds an unexpected note they'll have to guess who left it. With sturdy lift-the-flaps, you can't go wrong with Construction Site: You're Just Right!
Love is You & Me by Monica Sheehan.
A rhyming board book about the definition of love depicted through the eyes of two best friends: Dog and Mouse, Love is You & Me has a classy feel to it.
Brown Sugar Baby Sweetest Love by Kevin Lewis & illustrated by Jestenia Southerland.
A board book that celebrates the the light that children bring into the lives of their families on Valentine's Day and throughout the entire year!
Love You Head to Toe by Ashley Barron.
While this board book isn't specifically about Valentine's Day it nonetheless celebrates the love families have for their children, which makes it a perfect board book for Valentine's Day.
I Love You Because You're You by Liza Baker & illustrated by David McPhail.
A mother's love is an unwavering source of comfort to a child. With playful and loving illustrations that will make you want to give your little one(s) extra hugs and kisses, author Liza Baker and illustrator David McPhail have created a story that cherishes the uniqueness of every child.
Love is a Truck by Amy Novesky & illustrated by Sara Gillingham.
For children who love vehicles, Love is a Truck captures the sheer joy of a child who loves to play with, and take care of, his trucks. The two-toned illustrations throughout the book are particularly eye-catching.
Owl Always Love You by Patricia Hegarty.
With melodic text, Owl Always Love You is a charming forest-themed bedtime story that highlights the love parents (or in this case forest animals) have for their little ones. With an array of starry illustrations, Owl Always Love You is a soothing read.
Love, Escargot by Dashka Slater & illustrated by Sydney Hanson.
New to board book format, Love, Escargot is the third book in the French-themed Escargot series and it couldn't be more exceptionnel. A board book that reminds me of the Fancy Nancy series, Escargot is a delightful snail who is excited to go to a Snailentine's Day party. With lengthy text, which is rarer for a board book, Love, Escargot is a page-turner that will have little ones proudly declaring French phrases like magnifique, joie de vivre, voila, and quelle chance.
Bear Hugs from Brown Bear and friends.
You can never have too many hugs! A board book that highlights how hugs are for all seasons and emotional situations; hugs are also given as a way to show comfort and love.
Angelina Loves by Katharine Holabird & illustrated by Helen Craig.
Angelina has lots of interests, especially dancing! A board book that exudes excitement, Angelina Loves shows children how Angelina's love of friends, family, and activities makes her feel.
I Wish for You by David Wax & illustrated by Brett Blumenthal.
An inspiring board book that will have you reading it over and over again, I Wish for You encourages children to be free like wild horses, fun like dolphins, kind like panda bears, friends like penguins, strong like bears, and trusting like giraffes, for example. A board book with beautifully written text, this one is a definite keeper.
Forever Love by Stephanie Mass & illustrated by Natalia Vasilica.
While there are different types of love, the love between a parent and a child is forever. A board book that celebrates love as a reliable constant within a child's life, Forever Love illustrates this through rhythmic text and various depictions of animals cuddling their young in nature. Here's an excerpt: "No matter what we're facing, whether wind or rain, or storm. We'll do it all together and be happy, safe, and warm."
Happy Valentine's Day, Corduroy! Based on stories by Don Freeman & illustrated by Jody Wheeler.
Last but not least you can't go wrong with a a Valentine's Day board book inspired by Don Freeman's Corduroy as Corduroy and Lisa go shopping, make cards and cookies to share with beloved friends, and read Valentine's Day stories.
Enjoy!!