In our family, we love love.

My parents always said “I love you” to each other and to us, and after my dad died suddenly it just reinforced the importance of letting loved ones hear — out loud— how much we care.

So yes. I’m big on expressing love – I am a believer in the healing power of hugs, kisses, and “I love you”s, and also in the power of books and words

So in honor of Valentine’s day, I’m sharing some of our favorite children’s books about love: familial love, friend love, pet love, and even self-love.

Let’s dive in!

Love, Z

by Jessie Sima

It’s impossible not to be touched by this story of Z, a robot who goes on a quest to find out what “love” means. The story is a little longer (i.e., there are more words per page than say, a board book), so I’d say that “Love Z” is probably best for ages 3+ when kids have longer attention spans.

Love, Z is available at Amazon.com and Target.com

Someday

by Alison McGhee and Peter H. Reynolds

I will never not cry reading this sweet book about the depth of a mother’s never-ending love for her daughter. Someday, Jules will understand the depth of my love for her.
Available at Target.com and at Amazon.com

Words and Your Heart

by Kate Jane Neal

This book teaches kids about the power of words, and how negative and positive affirmations can affect your heart – and the hearts of others, too. It’s a good read for when kids start saying mean things— so they can comprehend how words can hurt and heal.
Available at Target.com and on Amazon.com

I Like Myself

by Karen Beaumont

Everyone makes fun of millennials for being softies, but a child’s self-esteem is absolutely crucial to their development of confidence, pride, and resilience. So I’m all about self-love, and this book totally sends the right message: you’re unique, and guess what -it’s totally okay to love all the things that make you wonderful you!
Available at Amazon.com and Target.com

Bunny Roo, I Love You

by Melissa Marr

The cutest illustrations accompany this charming story about a mom bringing home her baby for the first time and caring for her newborn. Available at Amazon.com and Target.com

Bella Loves Bunny

by David McPhail

Bella loves Bunny and Bunny loves Bella. This sweet, nostalgic story is about the love between a girl and her constant companion as they go about everyday life.
Available at Amazon.com and Target.com

On the Night You Were Born

by Nancy Tillman

A gentle lullaby that reminds you and your child how much the world changed (how much your entire world shifted) on the day your child entered the world.
Available at Amazon.com and Target.com

Hedgehugs

by Steve Wilson and Lucy Tapper

All these two hedgehogs want to do is hug each other, but their spiky spines make it oh-so-difficult… until they find a creative solution. Adorable.
Available at Amazon.com and Target.com

Hug Machine

by Scott Campbell

This book is perfect for a sweet kid who loves to hug and show affection. Hugs for everyone!
Available on Amazon and Target.com

I Love You All Year Long

by Steve Metzger

We love this story about a mom and daughter who love each other through winter, spring, summer, and fall. Sadly this sweet story seems to be out of print, but you can still get it used on Amazon.com