What better way to show your love than by sharing your love of reading? A picture book can make the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day–whether you’re a child or adult. (With some careful selection!)
Obviously, I have a motive in writing this, which is that I have 1 (and a half) picture books that make absolutely lovely Valentine’s Day gifts. I say a half because one of them isn’t out yet–bookmark it for next year! Affiliate links coming! I’ll cover my books that make great Valentine’s Day gifts and then move on to other picture books that go well with candy hearts.
If you’re in doubt, most picture books have free videos online so you can get a very thorough preview before buying.
“Call Your Mother” (out now) is a Valentine’s Gift that might just make your mom cry. Hey, dads! Get this one for your kids to give to their moms! Or moms–send this to your kid who’s in college or off working and doesn’t call enough! This book also makes an incredibly touching Valentine’s Day gift for a mom to give to a grandma. Or from a grandma-to-be to a new-mom-to-be. Don’t just take my word for it. Look at the reviews. Kirkus, one of the toughest review outlets out there, gave it a star and said it was: “A touching love letter to mothers everywhere and a helpful guide for how best to appreciate them.” Warning: if the person you are giving this to has lost their mother or has a difficult relationship with their mother, this might upset them. Otherwise, gift away! (And keep it in mind for Mother’s Day, too!)
“Call Your Father”: This is my half-book because it’s not coming out until April 14th. If you’re seeing this after 2026, it’s out and I’ve forgotten to come back and update this post! Early reviews show just as much love to this book as “Call Your Mother.” Get it as a Valentine’s Day gift for a dad, a grandpa, or a kid you wish would call more! Or bookmark it for Father’s Day!
Valentine’s Day Picture Books for Kids
For those of you who want to add a little literacy to your candy, there are so many amazing options here. Some favorites include:
“Love is My Favorite Thing”: As you read through this list, you’re going to see that I love dogs. What better gift for Valentine’s Day than a picture book about a dog who loves…love? This book is so darn cute!
Chicka Chicka I Love You: The perfect book for the littlest readers who love Chicka Chicka Boom Boom! The illustrations here are just Valentine’s Day cuteness supreme.
Grumpy Monkey Valentine’s Gross Out (With Stickers): Everyone loves the Grumpy Monkey, but the Grumpy Monkey doesn’t love Valentine’s Day…yet. Plus, stickers!
I Love Hugs and Kisses: Honestly, I could make an entire post just of Sandra Magsamen books for Valentine’s Day. Her art is so gorgeous and I have met her in person and can tell you she is just as lovely as her books make her seem. This one is a cute, tactile book with felt. There’s also Lots of Love, Little One, and “I’m Wild About You” and so, so many more books that are perfect especially for babies and toddlers.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Peekaboo Valentine: I love these Eric Carle books with fun shapes–and so did my kid! She’s a little past these now (at 7) but what a fun object to give (that you can also read)!
Tiny T Rex and The Perfect Valentine: There is truly a Valentine’s Day book for every interest. Dinosaur-obsessed kiddos will love this one! (And maybe it will help you get those Valentine’s cards made!)
The Day it Rained Hearts: A sweet, simple book for the kids who love to put a little magic and wonder in their holidays.
Love from the Crayons: If your kids love “The Day the Crayons Quit,” then “Love from the Crayons” makes a perfect Valentine’s Day gift!
Love Finds a Way: This instant bestseller is about an adorable dog and bird who teach each other about love. Melting!
You Make My Heart Go Vroom: All your little kids who love trucks, cars, and things that go need this! Might be funny for a dad who loves his cars, too!
Valentine’s Day Picture Books for Parents
I Love You By Heart: A darling recitation of love. The illustrations show a parent and child, but honestly I could see this being read at a wedding.
Why, Mommy, Why?: A slightly cheeky Valentine’s Day gift for the mom who may be getting tired of being asked why (or for the kid who’s always asking). The answer boils down to love, of course. Love is the why!
Why, Daddy, Why?: The perfect Valentine’s Day gift for a dad who’s always being asked why!
Why a Daughter Needs a Dad: The perfect Valentine’s Day gift from a daughter…to a dad. See also: Why a Son Needs a Dad.
Why a Daughter Needs a Mom: The perfect Valentine’s Day gift from a daughter…to a mom. See also: Why a Son Needs a Mom.
I Love You Like No Otter: This one could be for kids or grandparents, too, but it could be a cute Valentine’s Day gift for a parent, too, so I am putting it here. Obviously, this one is for the pun lovers!
Valentine’s Day Picture Books for Grandparents
Of course, I think “Call Your Mother” and “Call Your Father” make lovely gifts for grandparents–though you may need to flip to the last page to find out why! Here are some more, though!
Our Favorite Day: A girl and her grandpa have the most wonderful day together. Fitting–as I write this, my kiddo is with her grandpa, having all kinds of adventures!
It’s Good to Have a Grandma: An ode to Grandmas. Who wouldn’t want to be a little venerated on Valentine’s Day? See also: It’s Good to Have a Grandpa.
How to Babysit a Grandma and Grandpa: For a Valentine’s Day gift that will make Grandma and Grandpa laugh! This is a box set but you can buy these separately as well.
Grandpa is Here: For grandpas who live far away and are treasured every time they visit!
Something About Grandma: An ode to intergenerational love! Those of us with magical grandmas are so lucky!
I Love Grandpa with the Very Hungry Caterpillar: I mean, how cute would it be for a toddler to “give” this to a grandpa on Valentine’s Day? See also: I Love Grandma.
That’s it for now! Have a favorite of your own? Drop it in the comments!
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