It’s been a long time since I’ve purchased a picture book. We’re not huge rereaders and when my kids were young, I went a little crazy creating a massive stack of seasonal books to display on book ledges we don’t even use anymore. So while we own a ton of picture books for Valentine’s Day, I’ve been too lazy to get them out. Instead, I picked out a stack from the library that are new to us this year. We read almost all of them within the first few days of bringing them home!
Some of these are backlist titles from the library but I’ve linked to Bookshop.org when available below. Every purchase through Bookshop.org supports independent booksellers and puts a few pennies in my pocket at no extra cost to you.
Vlad, the Fabulous Vampire by Flavia Z. Drago
Vlad is a vampire with the misfortune of having rosy cheeks that make him look alive. But being the fabulous vampire that he is (and hoping to avoid rejection), he hides his rosy complexion behind elaborate vampire outfits in traditional black. That is, until he finds out that his best friend has a pink secret of her own. Not exactly a Valentine’s Day story but it is filled with lots of PINK.
Zombie in Love by Kelly Dipucchio
Mortimer is looking for love. And he’s looking everywhere! He’s worked out at the gym (if only his arm wouldn’t keep falling off). He’s tried ballroom dancing lessons (but the ladies found him to be a bit stiff). How’s a guy supposed to find a ghoul? When it seems all hope has died, could the girl of Mortimer’s dreams be just one horrifying shriek away?
Zombie in Love 2 + 1 by Kelly Dipucchio
Mortimer and Mildred are thrilled to be new parents but having a baby isn’t what they expected. Sonny hardly ever cries. His teeth are coming in instead of falling out. And worst of all, he’s awake all day and sleeps through the night. Mortimer and Mildred are dead tired, and very worried. Will their precious baby boy ever behave like a good little monster?
Lovebird Lou by Tammi Sauer
Lovebird Lou adores life with his family and friends on the island they call home. But when he travels to the other side of the island and sees the amazing abilities on display by different birds, Lou feels unfulfilled with the laidback lovebird lifestyle. With his adoring parents cheering him on, Lou decides to spread his wings and see what else he can accomplish.
Cupig: The Valentine’s Day Pig by Claire Tattersfield
Cupig absolutely loves Valentine's Day. Every year she enjoys spreading love and cheer to every creature, far and near. But when a storm blows through and sends her arrows off course, Cupig accidentally puts arrows in hearts that don't need to be mended. Peanut Butter has stopped loving Jelly! Salt and Pepper have broken up! Needle and Thread are falling apart at the seams! Will Cupig ever fix her mistakes and get these classic pairs back together again?
XO, Ox: A Love Story by Adam Rex
The hilarious tale of love between a hapless ox and a fabulous gazelle, told in correspondence. And so begins an epic, if initially unrequited, love affair. Romance will never be the same.
I Need a Hug by Aaron Blabey
A tiny porcupine just wants a cuddle. All of the other animals turn him away because of his prickly spikes. But finally the porcupine meets an animal who's happy to hug -- a snake!
Some LOVELY Newsletters from the Archives
I'm no Cupid
I feel like Valentine’s Day is divisive. Either you love it or hate it. I tend to fall into the latter category. I hate any holiday that feels performative. My anxiety inevitably makes me bungle up any elaborate plans.
Books for Little Valentines
Hello there! It’s almost time to start thinking about Valentine’s Day (if you celebrate). This year we’re not doing much… saving money for a big goal! You might have noticed I’ve been checking out some Valentine’s Day and love-themed books from the library. Viking in Love was one of my favorites so far! If you want to get a head start and beat the rush,…
Valentine’s Day Books for Toddlers
This post contains affiliate links which means I may get a TINY commission for any book you purchase using the links below at no cost to you. The good news is a local bookstore will too!
And more picture book suggestions from my friend Sri if you’re heading to the library again this weekend like us:
Hoping you make the time to read aloud together,
Elsewhere on the Internet: Goodreads / Storygraph / Pinterest
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Thanks for the shout out and we’re big fans of Cupig over here 💕