18 of the Best Valentine's Day Books!

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     Valentine's Day is always such a fun school day holiday.  There are Valentines to make/address and Valentine Mail Boxes to decorate.  Then there are the heart shaped cookies and chocolate kisses.  Themed days like Valentine's Day are great ways to encourage reading in children as the fun and excitement for the holiday builds.  I've gathered some great suggestions that will draw your kids into reading without them even realizing that as they celebrate a holiday, they are building reading skills as well.  An extra bonus is that many of these books about love can help you teach your children lessons about love, kindness and healthy human interactions.  And, remember, books make great Valentine's gifts! 

For the Youngest (Especially if they have older siblings, they want to join the fun as well!)

• You Are My Sunshine-Sarah Magsaman:  It is the song with a cute sun finger puppet! 

• The Littlest Things Give the Loveliest Hugs-Mark Sperring

• Splat the Cat Funny Valentine Lift the Flap Book-Rob Scotton:  If you haven't seen this adorable, hilarious cat, you won't want to miss out any longer!  And don't forget Love Splat while you are at it! 

Primary School Age (They will probably like Splat the Cat, too).

• Pinkalicious: Pink of Hearts-Victoria Kann: Every little girl will love this one! It includes stickers and Valentines! 
• Fancy Nancy: Heart to Heart-Jane O'Connor: Not to be outshone by Pinkalicious, Fancy Nancy is a grade school favorite! Stickers also included! 
• Happy Valentine's Day Mouse-Laura Numeroff: The same mouse from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie has more antics! 

• Happy Valentine's Day Little Critter-Mercer Mayer: I am always a sucker for Little Critter Books.  The illustrations always have little things to find and talk about.  There is usually a cute lesson to be learned. 
• Robot In Love-T.L. McBeth: A cute robot, with heart shaped pupils in his eyes is in love.  He dreams about her, snoring in binary code!  A darling book for up to 2nd graders. 
• Groggle's Monster Valentine-Diana Murray: Adorable story and fantastic illustrations will captivate kids.

• 3 Berenstain Bear Books for Valentine's Day- Stan, Jan and Mike Berenstain: For books that always are sweet, have challenging vocabulary and teach good values, you can always turn to the Berenstain Bears.  Here are 3 of their many choices:

• Pete the Cat: Valentine's Day is Cool-James Dean: Pete the Cat is always popular with young grade schoolers and this book will really enchant with its cards and poster.  Super Cool! 

Second to Fourth Graders (Give or Take)

• This is Not a Valentine-Carter Higgins: Not all Valentines are hearts and flowers.  This sweet book will teach that expressions of love can come in many forms. 

• Nate the Great and the Mushy Valentine-Marjorie Weinman Sharmat: A great Valentine mystery book for boys and girls alike! 
• And finally, 2 Junie B. Jones books by Barbara Park that everyone will adore:

    So, there you go! 18 books to get you started enjoying Valentine's Day with your kids.  If you have more suggestions, drop them in the comments!