There’s no better way to show love for little ones than with a book. The following picture books are great options for kids ages 0 to 8.
CHICKA CHICKA YOU YOU: A MIRROR BOOK (CHICKA CHICKA BOOK, A), by Bill Martin Jr., John Archambault, Daniel Roode, Little Simon, Jan. 27, 2026, Board Book, $9.99 (ages 0-5)
In this playful companion to the beloved and bestselling classic Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, rollicking rhyme and bold die-cut pages invite little ones to explore shapes and faces—and to discover themselves through five shiny mylar mirrors!
Perfect for curious babies and toddlers, Chicka Chicka You You features a mirror on every page and engaging shaped cutouts designed to support early learning. Children will love spotting their reflections as they play and read. —Synopsis provided by Little Simon
Though not specifically about Valentine’s Day, this interactive novelty board book celebrates warmth and love.
LOVE CAN BE, by Yuli Yav, Antonia Woodward, Little Simon, Dec. 2, 2025, Board Book, $8.99 (ages 0-4)
Celebrate the many expressions of love—be they loud, gentle, brave, or apple slice–shaped—in this padded, paper over board keepsake book.
Love can be apples,
cut into slices with care.
Love can be quiet moments,
just being there.
From sharing snacks to learning together to patching up a bad mood, there are infinite ways for someone to show care to their loved ones. —Synopsis provided by Little Simon
Little ones will be drawn to the sweet faces and fun activities in this tender book.
LIKE SO, by Ruth Forman and Raissa Figueroa, Little Simon, Jan. 6, 2026, Board Book, $8.99 (ages 1-4)
From bestselling author Ruth Forman and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Honoree Raissa Figueroa comes a picture book honoring the love and bond that exists between family and child even in complicated times.
Told from Nana’s point of view, this simple, affirming, and comforting read-aloud shows how every family’s love is natural and connected to the world around us. Just as the sun loves the day, the moon loves the waves, and the night sky loves the star glow…so is our love for each other: innate, wondrous, and infinite. —Synopsis provided by Little Simon
Simple text celebrates a loving relationship that comes to life through vibrant illustrations that celebrate expressions of love.
BEST BALLERINA FRIENDS, by Katharine Holabird and Helen Craig, Simon Spotlight, Dec. 2, 2025, Board Book, $7.99 (ages 1-4)
Celebrate friendship with Angelina Ballerina and Alice in this heart-shaped board book with foil on the cover!
Angelina and Alice love to do everything together. They dance at Miss Lilly’s Ballet School, have fun hosting tea parties, encourage each other, celebrate their talents, and more! Angelina and Alice will be best friends forever! —Synopsis provided by Simon Spotlight
This fun Angelina Ballerina board book celebrates everything that makes friendship great.
OUT AND ABOUT IN 100 WORDS: A GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU BOOK, by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram, Candlewick, Jan. 6, 2026, Board Book, $12.99 (ages 2-5)
As Little Nutbrown Hare hops across some stones in a river, he sees so many interesting things—fish and swans, an otter and beaver, a willow tree and reeds, the water itself. Meanwhile, at a farm full of animals, Little Nutbrown Hare enthuses about all the new babies—a hen with her chicks, a cow with her calf, a horse with a foal, a proud pig and her piglets.
Whether it’s a pond full of ducklings and frogs and lily pads, or a meadow bursting with bees and butterflies and buttercups, the simple presentation of named objects and illustrations offer an ideal setting for little ones to discover what nature holds—and to learn the words for what they see. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick
This another board book that’s not specifically for Valentine’s Day, but it’s a lovely option for little ones who will love the sweet illustrations and animal tabs. This is a fun way to build on animal vocabulary.
I LOVE YOU, LITTLE MOOSE! by Sandra Magsamen, Cartwheel Books, Sept. 2, 2026, Board Book, $8.99 (ages 2-4)
I love the trees, the flowers, and the waterfall, but I love you, little one, moose of all!
Babies and toddlers will love holding, touching, and reading this cute board book, featuring soft, plush moose antlers and adorable forest animal illustrations. With Sandra Magsamen’s signature message of love, this book shows your little one that you love them moose of all! —Synopsis provided by Cartwheel Books
This sweet board book features cute animals and a tender message of love.
DO I LOVE YOU? YES I DO!, by Ruth Forman, Raissa Figueroa, Little Simon, Jan. 6, 2026, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 3-6)
From bestselling author Ruth Forman and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Honoree Raissa Figueroa comes a picture book that celebrates motherhood, daughterhood, and the magic of love.
Do I love you?
Love shapes every moment in our lives. From a morning sunrise with colors bold to dandelion wishes carried on the wind to an evening sunset with shades soft and cool, the world is made of love.
Here is a book that asks and answers the most important question loved ones can ever share: Do I love you? Yes, I do! —Synopsis provided by Little Simon
This charming read celebrates love between a mom and daughter. Whimsical illustrations make this one special.
LOVE FROM CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG (A Mini Valentine’s Day Book), by Norman Bridwell, Scholastic Inc., Dec. 2, 2026, Hardcover, $9.99 (ages 3-5)
Everyone knows that Clifford grew to be so big because of how much Emily Elizabeth loved him when he was a tiny puppy. But just what does she love about Clifford? This adorable story is all about these two best friends’ love for each other.
Featuring adorable art and simple, rhyming text, this mini hardcover book is the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day or any time you want to say “I love you.” —Synopsis provided by Scholastic Inc.
Everyone’s favorite Big Red Dog shares some of the ways you can show your love.
CHICKA CHICKA I LOVE YOU, by Bill Martin Jr, John Archambault, Julien Chung, Little Simon, Dec. 2, 2026, Hardcover, $9.99 (ages 3-6)
“I love you
and you love me
the way we say it is
L, O, V, E!”
With its playful alphabet theme and heartfelt message, Chicka Chicka I Love You is the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or anytime you want to say “I love you!.” This charming keepsake mini picture book features sturdy paper over board construction, dazzling rainbow holographic foil on the cover, and a special to/from page—ideal for sharing love, one letter at a time. —Synopsis provided by Little Simon
Learn to spell sweet nothings with a Chicka Chicka flair in this rhythmic picture book that hits all the right notes.
A BOOK OF LOVES, by Cynthia Rylant, Beach Lane Books, Jan. 6, 2026, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 4-8)
Celebrate the small, often overlooked things that cats, dogs, and children love in this picture book from Newbery Medal winner and author of the Henry and Mudge series, Cynthia Rylant.
Cats love boxes and windows and toys…and other things. Dogs love sticks and biscuits and puddles…and other things. Children love bubbles and cake and stories…and other things. But what do they all love? Love. —Synopsis provided by Beach Lane Books
This deceptively simple picture book will speak to young readers with basic text and friendly illustrations that will give new readers the confidence to read on their own.
EYELIKE STICKERS: VALENTINES, by Workman Publishing, Workman Kids, Nov. 25, 2025, Paperback, $7.99 (ages 4 and up)
Stuffed with over 400 cute and bright hearts, kisses, and Valentine themed designs, kids can decorate valentine’s day cards, embellish notebooks, and stick on windows to their heart’s desire! These peel-and-place stickers are perfect for creating your own work of art anytime, anywhere, and are designed to be stuck on, peeled off, and stuck on again without tearing or losing their “stick.” The front and back inside covers are glossy illustrated backgrounds for kids to create lively and original sticker scenes―and then change them whenever they like. —Synopsis provided by Workman Kids
This fun Valentines sticker collection features cute animals, lovely treats and beautiful flowers. It’s reusable nature makes for hours of fun.
WHERE THERE IS LOVE: A STORY IN AFRICAN PROVERBS, by Shauntay Grant, Letícia Moreno, Penguin Workshop, Dec. 16, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-6)
Taking place over the course of a summer day, we follow a young girl as she and her family gather at her nana’s house for a get-together where lessons are shared, food is prepared, and lifelong memories are created. Told in African proverbs, Where There Is Love explores the importance of familial bonds and their lasting impact while presenting proverbs to inspire readers long after the story ends. Throughout the book, Nana’s house provides a safe space for our protagonist to make mistakes, learn lessons, and most importantly, find and feel love. —Synopsis provided by Penguin Workshop
Where There Is Love celebrates family and the love that comes from sharing the kitchen. Warm text is paired with tender illustrations in this lovely picture book.
Copyright © 2026 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
