Board books
Love monster by Rachel Bright
A little monster goes looking for unconditional love, and so life’s rich pattern begins!
We love you Hugless Dougless by David Melling
What better character for Valentine’s day than Hugless Dougless? This cuddly bear is heading straight to your heart.
Picture books for 2 – 6 year olds
The Princess and the pea by Lauren Child
Who in their right mind wouldn’t fall in love with a girl who could detect vegetable matter through a pile of mattresses?
Foxy in love by Emma Dodd
Emily is making Valentine’s day cards, and her friend Foxy comes to help with a little magic. Very sweet little story.
Little Miss Hug by Roger Hargreaves
Aaah! Not really about Valentine’s day, but she cheers up Mr Grumpy, so we couldn’t miss her from this list, now could we?
Love always everywhere by Sarah Massini
“Uplifting, enjoyable, joyful and charming exploration of love in its many forms.”
Dinosaur kisses by David Ezra Stein
Just a few words of warning – dinosaur kisses look rather dangerous!
Love, Splat by Rob Scotton
Splat the cat falls for a dear little kitten, but so does Spike. Hmm… I wonder who’ll win her heart?
Picture books for older readers
Tadpole’s promise by Jeanne Willis
Caterpillar and tadpole fall in love and vow they will never change… heard that one before?
Short chapter books 6 – 8 year olds
Juliet the Valentine fairy by Daisy Meadows
Especially for our Rainbow Fairies fans on Valentine’s day.
Magic Hearts by Helen Perelman
Chocolate, fashion and fairies tailored into a heart-warming confection. If you’re hooked on Rainbow Fairies, you’ll probably love this Candy Fairies story too.
Junior novels 8 – 12 year olds
Katie’s secret admirer by Holly Webb
A Valentine tale tie-in from Holly Webb’s Triplets series. Note – not all triplets are romantic, and Katie is just sick of hearing about boys!
Junior non-fiction
Valentine things to make and do by Rebecca Gilpin
Lots of ideas for cards and other crafty things you can’t live without making, like tissue paper hearts, love birds, heart-shaped flowers and sparkly hearts garlands. Excited yet?
Yummy little cookbook by Rebecca Gilpin
This isn’t actually a Valentine’s day cookbook, but the recipes are really so yummy, we couldn’t resist including it in this list.
Young teen
Love hurts by Malorie Blackman
A new collection of short stories assembled by the Children’s Laureate, from some of the best young adult writers around today. Look out for Patrick Ness, Gayle Forman and Marcus Zusak. Due out just in time for Valentine’s day.
Young adult
This Northern Sky by Julia Green
A captivating, tear jerking romance set on a Scottish island.