Valentine’s Day is a fun time of year to gather books and spend time with your children reading and learning together. As you prepare for Valentine’s Day with cards for friends and family, the holiday can be an intentional moment in the year to share ideas about character traits like love and kindness.

This blog post features 10 favorite books to read with children for Valentine’s Day, including books that inspire self-confidence, positivity, love, compassion, and gratitude. For more books, check out the free A Virtuous Valentine’s booklist below.

In this blog post: 

• 10 meaningful children’s books to read for Valentine’s Day
• Free Valentine’s Day booklist for kids
• Intentional Valentine’s Day unit study from Treehouse Schoolhouse

10 meaningful children’s books to read for Valentine’s Day

These are intentional books to read to your children as Valentine’s Day approaches, focusing on love, kindness, positivity, and more.

You are Special

You are Special by Max Lucado reminds each child that they are special the way they are – mistakes and all – and that above all, they are important to and loved by God no matter what.

Each Kindness

Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson shares how small acts of kindness can change the world and make a big difference in the lives of others. This story, known for its strong anti-bullying message, is the winner of a Coretta Scott King Honor and the Jane Addams Peace Award.

Thank you, Mr. Falker

Thank you, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco is a story for any child who needs encouragement. It is the autobiographical story of a young girl who was encouraged by her teacher, Mr. Falker, to overcome dyslexia. This story shows how encouragement can lead to life-changing experiences, and is a thank you to the teacher who helped the author overcome a challenge.

Saint Valentine 

Saint Valentine by Robert Sabuda is the origin story of the Christian martyr, Saint Valentine, a humble physician in Rome who used his talents and compassion to heal others.

Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch

Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli is a story about a lonely man, Mr. Hatch, who receives a mysterious package from a secret admirer with a note that says, “Somebody loves you.” The story follows Mr. Hatch as he discovers who left him the gift.

The Kindness Quilt 

The Kindness Quilt by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace teaches lessons of compassion as a young girl creates a paper quilt depicting random acts of kindness she and her classmates perform.

The Invisible Boy

The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig is a gentle story that teaches how small acts of kindness can help children feel included instead of lonely or sad.

The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein is a classic parable about a tree that gives everything to a boy, demonstrating unconditional love and selfless giving.

Love Is 

Love Is by Diane Adams is a beautiful and moving story about a little girl and duckling who care for each other unconditionally. This book shares the challenges and joys of giving selfless love to others.

Snowy Valentine

Snowy Valentine by David Petersen is a winter tale about finding the perfect Valentine’s gift, as Jasper the bunny searches the forest valley for a special gift for his loved one.

Free Valentine’s Day booklist for kids

Are you looking for more intentional Valentine’s Day books to read with your children? Grab the free A Virtuous Valentine’s booklist below.

Intentional Valentine’s Day unit study from Treehouse Schoolhouse

A Virtuous Valentine’s

A Virtuous Valentine’s is a Charlotte Mason-inspired curriculum designed with your whole family in mind. It’s an invitation to study the life-changing love of God in a hands-on way. Through Scripture readings, beauty subjects, picture books, hands-on activities, and a look into the history of Valentine’s Day, this study provides an invitation to delve into the profound depth of God’s love and how it shapes our relationships. We’ll explore how God’s love is unconditional, how love is expressed through acts of kindness and encouragement, how compassion and empathy can change hearts and lives, and how true love is demonstrated through selflessness and sacrifice. Your study will conclude by celebrating and creating memories together with a Valentine’s Day Tea Party.