Valentine’s Day is not just a day for couples, it’s a celebration of all types of love, including the pure and innocent love that children have in their hearts. Reading aloud to your elementary class on this special day can be a wonderful way to celebrate love and friendship. Here are 10 Valentine’s Day books for kids that are perfect for reading aloud in your classroom:
1. “Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch” by Eileen Spinelli – This touching tale tells the story of an introverted man who discovers the joy of friendship and community when he mistakenly receives a Valentine’s Day package.
2. “The Day It Rained Hearts” by Felicia Bond – Children will love this imaginative story where a young girl uses hearts that rain from the sky to make unique valentines for her friends.
3. “Love, Splat” by Rob Scotton – Splat the Cat has a crush and he’s trying to win over his classmate Kitten with the perfect Valentine’s Day card.
4. “The Biggest Valentine Ever” by Steven Kroll – Two mouse friends learn about cooperation and teamwork as they craft the best valentine together.
5. “Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink” by Diane deGroat – Gilbert learns about kindness, forgiveness, and honesty after sending mean valentines to two classmates.
6. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Mouse!” by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond – Join Mouse from “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” as he celebrates Valentine’s Day with all his friends.
7. “Llama Llama I Love You” by Anna Dewdney – Little llama shows his friends and family how much he loves them with heart-shaped cards and lots of hugs.
8. “Slugs in Love” by Susan Pearson – Marylou loves Herbie, and Herbie loves Marylou; they just need a little help finding each other in this cute slug-themed love story.
9. “Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentime” by Barbara Park – Junie B.’s hilarious take on Valentine’s Day will surely get kids laughing and engaged in reading.
10. “Love Monster” by Rachel Bright – This charming book about self-acceptance follows a monster searching for someone who will love him just the way he is.
Sharing these books in your classroom will not only entertain but also provide valuable lessons about love, kindness, and friendship. Happy reading!
