XOXO: Our Favorite Picture Books About LOVE!

Inside: Looking for awesome picture books about love that celebrate this emotion in all its beautiful manifestations? This is the post for you!

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It’s almost Valentine’s Day!

Can I be honest with you guys for a minute? If I told you I’m head over heels in love with February 14th, I’d totally be lying.

Flashback to 1994, and you would see a lanky girl with frizzy hair, a mouth full of braces and an elephant-sized backpack weighing her shoulders down to the ground as she walked the halls of a Miami high school. Yes, that would be me. I always looked on — partly with awe, partly with envy — while the so-called “pretty” girls pranced around like human floral shops, their pink and red heart balloons bopping in the air atop bouquets of roses and carnations.

And so it was that I began to rebel against the day, wearing black every Valentine’s day thereafter, telling all who would listen that it was absurd to have a holiday forcing us to say I love you, when it really should be said to those we care about all the time. Angst, anyone?!

Ok, ok. Before you exit out of this blog post, I get it. I’m a mom now, and yes, it’s fun to shower my kids with love and special treats on Valentine’s Day. But, more importantly, whether you love it or whether you rebel against it like I used to, Valentine’s Day does present us with perfect opportunity to talk to our kids about the ways in which we express affection and show others we care. What is love, anyway? What does it mean to love someone or something? How should love make us feel?

RELATED: We’ve got the best children’s books for you on Happily Ever Elephants, so be sure to check them out!

These are big questions, and they don’t always have the easiest answers. After all, sometimes love makes us feel like the sun is shining only for us, but other times, that love can be so overwhelming (or unrequited) that it brings us to tears. It is no wonder that children have such a hard time understanding what is going on in their little heads when one single emotion can affect us in such profoundly different ways.

So how do I celebrate Valentine’s Day with my boys now? As our worlds turn various shades of posy pink and radiant red, we like to celebrate by sharing some heart-filled picture books about love, books filled with messages that actually transcend Valentine’s Day. Any book that honors love in its purest form is fair game, books we can read, enjoy and contemplate all year round. This February 14th, you’ll no doubt find us snuggled together on the couch and reading fun and quirky stories about it means to love and be loved.

Here are some of our favorite books — the huggy kind, the kissy kind, the self-love kind, and — my personal favorite — the love is love is love kind.  Enjoy!

I Am Love: A Book of Compassion, by Susan Verde and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds: In this stunning new edition to the wildly popular “I Am” series, readers are asked to look inward, to recognize that each and every one of us are love. We are compassionate, we can each act with kindness and tenderness, and we can let our hearts guide us to being good people working towards a better world. We can help others through stormy seas by asking ourselves how we may be able to let the light back in, and we can also listen to our own hearts to find our inner strength, courage and self worth. This book is a gem, and I can’t rave about it enough! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!

Worm Loves Worm, by J.J. Austrian, illustrated by Mike Curato: What happens when two worms fall in love and want to get married? Which worm will wear the dress and which will wear the tuxedo? On second thought, if worm loves worm — why should anything else matter? This fabulous story is without a doubt Happily Ever Elephants’ favorite book about love. For our full review of Worm Loves Worm, click here! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!

Love, Z, by Jessie Sima: We adore this new release about a robot who is trying to understand a message he finds in a bottle. “Love, Beatrice,” the message says. But what is love? And who is Beatrice? As the robot journeys to find the answers to his questions, he discovers that love actually surrounds him all the time — he just never knew the right word to explain how he felt. Children will simply adore the idea that sometimes love is hard to explain, but we know it when we feel it. So in LOVE with this one! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!

Love Grows Everywhere, by Barry Timms and Tisha Lee: In this lyrical story, love of all kinds is explored. Love between friends, neighbors and family. Big, loving moments to small, tender gestures. Love that nurtures plants and the environment to love that nurtures relationships between all people. The rhyming text is gentle and perfect for kids of all ages, and the diverse illustrations beautifully convey messages of kindness, charitable actions, and loving actions. A new beauty!

This is not a Valentine, by Carter Higgins and illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins: This is a tender story of a little boy navigating his first crush. It’s not about the trite things kids (or adults, for that matter!) think they should give someone to show their love- but instead those precious, unique things children do that, when viewed through a little one’s eyes, become magical and meaningful. This heartfelt book is so accessible to children, illustrating that love is composed of those tiny actions we take to show someone we care about how much they brighten our world. For our full review of This is Not a Valentine, click here! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!

Bigger than a Bumblebee, by Joseph Kuefler: This is the sweetest love letter from parent to child. It compares the child to things in nature, both big and small, showing that the universe is full of magic and marvels. Yet the biggest marvel of all, the one that is most awesome and awe-inspiring, is the love between a parent and child. The child is smaller than love, of course, because love is all around us  – a sheltering hug, a tender kiss, but most importantly, the very essence of that unbreakable bond between parent and child. This is the most gentle and tender read, and I simply love this one!  Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!

Love Is, by Diane Adams, illustrated by Claire Keane: A little girl learns what it means to love as she cares for her new pet. Her duckling requires a lot as he grows, needing constant attention from the girl. She hugs him closely and cares for him with everything she has… but eventually, it is time to let go. This is a tender beauty for any child caring for a pet – and for those who need a gentle reminder that sometimes, when we love something, we have to set it free. Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!

Like the Moon Loves the Sky, by Hena Khan, illustrated by Saffa Khan: In this gorgeous story, a mother shares her love and dreams for her children. Lyrical, tender prose inspired by the Quran combine with exquisite illustrations to make this book a beautiful ode to a parent’s unconditional love for her child. This book spoke to me as a parent so deeply, and I cannot rave about it enough. Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!

Love is Powerful, by Heather Dean Brewer and illustrated by LeUyen Pham: It’s never too early to talk to your little ones about activism and standing up for the values close to their hearts. I simply adore this book, inspired by a true story of a child who attended the 2017 Women’s March in New York City. The book is based on young Mari’s desire to share a message with the world. Unsure how she will be heard, she writes a simple message on a poster, which she carries with her at the march. Before she knows it, her words are amplified beyond her wildest dreams – and she learns that even the youngest among us can raise our voices to change the world! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!

Love, by Stacy McAnulty and illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff: Stacy McAnulty does it again with her newest book, Love, a companion to Beautiful and Brave. We love the way this book explores the concept of love, using illustrations that surprise and delight while also shattering those trite and conventional ideas of how we showcase affection to those we love. We adore McAnulty’s work, and we are just as thrilled with her latest book as we were with her others. (For our review of Beautiful, a book we believe should be in every child’s collection, click here!). Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!

When an Elephant Falls in Love, by Davide Cali, illustrated by Alice Lotti: When an elephant falls in love, he experiences many of the same emotions as the rest of us: he’s giddy with joy and weak with anticipation.  He’s left feeling equal parts shy and bold, and sometimes a little bit foolish too.  There’s nothing like first love! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!

Hair Love, by Matthew A. Cherry and illustrated by Vashti Harrison: Not only is Hair Love an ode to loving your natural characteristics – such as Zuri’s hair that kinks, coils and curls every which way — but it is also a tender story of the things a father will do for his daughter and the special love shared between them. When Daddy steps in to style sweet Zuri’s locks for a special occasion, he’s got a lot to learn. But for his girl, he will do whatever it takes to make her happy. Such a fun, sweet story showcasing a father’s love and devotion to his daughter! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!

I Heart You, by Meg Fleming, illustrated by Sarah Jane Wright: A beautiful tribute to the incomparable connection between a parent and child, this is a lyrical and tender exploration of the ways in which a parent’s love can both encourage and reassure.  A perfect gift for expecting parents! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!

How Do You Say I Love You, by Hannah Elliott and illustrated by Shirley Ng-Benitez: I wish I had this when my babes were young, because they would have loved saying “I Love You” in TEN different languages! Complete with fun rhymes, sweet illustrations, and even a handy pronunciation guide, this is a fabulous diverse baby book to take children on a journey around the globe! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!

What do You Love About You, by Karen Lechelt: We are all individuals, and as each and every one of us has our own unique attributes, we all have something to celebrate! This book is a perfect reminder that each of us is special in our own way, and it encourages kids to ask themselves “what do I love about me?!” Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!

Loved to Bits, by Teresa Heapy and Katie Cleminson: Do your children have a stuffie that goes on adventures with them every day? Is that stuffie chewed and tattered and torn, but still your kiddo’s most prized possession? This is a whimsical and tender story about a boy and his beloved bear, Stripy Ted, who weather all kinds of journeys together. And when Stripy Ted loses a leg, or an eye, or yet his other leg – the boy still thinks he’s just right. A beautiful ode to your child’s favorite toy! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!

Hug Machine, by Scott Campbell: The title says it all — no one can resist the hug machine! He’s really good at hugging.  So good, in fact, that you will be amazed at all the little things we never think to hug but really enjoy a good dose of affection. Pure joy! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!

Love Makes a Family, by Sophie Beer: We love inclusive, diverse board books that showcase so fabulously that the most important part of a family is love. It doesn’t matter what your family looks like, or who or how many people live in your home. Instead, family is where the heart is, sharing happy activities together, lending a helping hand, and, our favorite, reading just one more book together before bed. A gem! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!

Hedgehugs, by Steve Wilson, illustrated by Lucy Tapper: Hoarce and Hattie do everything together.  Well, almost everything.  Hard as they try, the hedgehogs just can’t find a way to hug –  their sharp spikes always get in the way! The two set off on a mission to figure out how to hug – and it will undoubtedly make your little ones giggle with glee.   Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!

All Kinds of Kisses, by Heather Swain, illustrated by Steven Henry: How do giraffes kiss? What about hummingbirds? If your little ones love hitting you up for smooches, they will love reading this book with you — and trying to imitate the animals’ actions. This is always a winner in our house, ending up with my boys rolling on the floor in fits of giggles as they try to mimic all of the animal kisses. Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!

Love Monster, by Rachel Bright: Poor googly-eyed love monster just can’t find a way to fit in with all the cuddly folks of Cutesville. This causes Love Monster to set out on a journey in search of someone to love him just the way he is.  Reminding even the most jaded that love happens when you least expect it, this book is sure to leave you with a smile… and an open heart. Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!

I Love You, Stinky Face, by Lisa McCourt and illustrated by Cyd Moore: “Mommy, mommy, will you still love me if….” YES! Yes, I’ll still love you if… Have you heard these questions before? Then this book is a must. It’s silly, it’s wacky, but it drives home a very important point: a parent’s love is constant and unwavering, no matter the situation, no matter the stink! This one is a blast – an oldie but goodie! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!

Love, by Matt De La Pena and Loren Long: This is a meditation on love- that transcendent, all encompassing, powerful emotion so integral to who we are as humans, an emotion so easy to feel but so difficult to adequately express in words. The prose is poetry in its purest form, the message is timeless, and the notion that love can be found in both the familiar and the unexpected is masterful. The stunning illustrations will be mirrors for kids worldwide. For our full review of Love, click here! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!

Full Full Full of Love, by Trish Cooke and illustrated by Paul Howard: I absolutely adore baby books you can nearly sing because their prose is lyrical and perfectly rhythmical. This is one of those fabulous stories, all about a child who goes to dinner at Grannies and is so full — full of hugs and kisses, tasty dishes, happy faces and so much love! A fabulous diverse baby book that I guarantee will be on heavy rotation in your home! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!

Loving Hands, by Tony Johnson and illustrated by Amy June Bates: If you are a parent or a guardian, I dare you to read this without crying! In this beautiful ode to the love shared between a mother and her son, readers see how the tiniest of life’s moments are always grounded in love and reassurance. Though the boy continually reaches for his mother’s hand as he grows, time eventually passes and he becomes the one offering affection and support to his mother. A tender, gentle beauty. Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!

Robot in Love, by T.L. Mc. Beth: Robot’s smitten. He has fallen in love with someone special. Someone shiny and special. And he will stop at nothing to win her attention. But can he keep his circuits from overheating and find the courage to tell her how he feels? This one has a twist ending you won’t see coming, and we laughed about it for days! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!