The annual observation of Valentine’s Day presents an opportunity to celebrate the concept of love with the young ones in your life. While many may roll their eyes at this “Hallmark holiday,” celebrating the compassionate, caring, nurturing relationships in the lives of children can lead to special memories and important lessons for them. The following titles do just that and would make especially nice Valentine’s Day gifts for any young heart.
Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney; illustrations by Anita Jeram; published by Candlewick Press. An endearing and playful conversation between Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare aims to find the largest expression of love between a parent and child. Adorable illustrations see the pair reaching as far as they can reach and seeing as far as they can see to depict how much they love one another.
This book, originally published in 1995, has become a classic. The Nutbrown Hares have more recently expanded into other stories as well, including Colors Everywhere, A Surprise for the Nutbrown Hares, When I’m Big, and Let’s Play in the Snow. Each depicts the playful, loving relationship between a parent and a young child through the exploration of simple topics.
A Visitor For Bear by Bonny Becker; illustrations by Kady MacDonald Denton; published by Candlewick Press. A sign hangs on Bear’s house reading, “No Visitors Allowed,” but that doesn’t stop a persistent mouse from politely trying to invite himself to breakfast. Will Bear cave?
This friendship tale will delight children as they watch the little mouse pop up here and there and eventually win the heart of a stubborn Bear who enjoys companionship and shared experience more than he thought he ever would.
Me With You by Kristy Dempsey; illustrated by Christopher Denise; published by Philomel Books. This adorably illustrated book depicts the special bond between a grandfather and granddaughter. It begins, “We’re a pair beyond compare, a rare and special two, in all the ways that I am me and you’re completely you.” From tea parties, to feeling sick, from gardening to needing comfort, this story truly exemplifies the sweetest elements of the love between a grandparent and grandchild.
Corduroy by Don Freeman; published by Penguin Group. A must-have—“Corduroy is a bear who once lived in the toy department of a big store.” His adventure searching the department store to find his missing overall button and the friendship he finds with the young girl who takes him home is heart warming. Children learn affection and caring through even their relationships with their dolls and toys. Corduroy is a tale that is relatable and endearing.
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