Most people think of romance and love birds when they think about Valentine’s Day. But, is that all there is to Valentine’s Day? Not at all! It is also a great day to spend quality time with your children. Help your kids, especially preschoolers, feel love by reading books that celebrate love and the bonds of family and friendship.
This book list was curated by Primrose Schools’ senior director of early childhood education, Dr. Maria Shaheen. She believes ” books help develop minds, expand hearts, and bring people together.” And Valentine’s Day is a perfect time to instill valuable principles of kindness, compassion, and love.
Share and enjoy these beautiful stories with your kids:
“The Kindness Quilt” by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace
In Nancy Elizabeth Wallace’s book, “The Kindness Quilt,” Minna the bunny learns valuable lessons about kindness and how to spread it. Through her journey of discovery, Minna finds many ways to practice kindness, such as helping pick up trash or assisting her father with the evening meal.
These acts of kindness inspired her to make a quilt showcasing all the ways she can be kind. This book teaches children that small acts of kindness can go a long way in making someone’s day brighter and spreading joy everywhere!
Activity: Encourage your child to be kind to others, and have them draw pictures depicting their acts of kindness. Collect these kind moments and create a kindness display board in your home. 60+ feel-good proud mom quotes for every family
“A Gift for Amma” by Meera Sriram
In “A Gift for Amma” by Meera Sriram, a young girl embarks on an adventure to find the perfect gift for her Amma (mother). The story follows her as she explores the vibrant Indian markets and discovers all sorts of exciting items.
Despite being tempted to purchase something for herself, she continues to search until she finds the perfect present that will bring a smile to her mother’s face. This heartwarming tale celebrates family love and demonstrates how small gestures can be meaningful when they come from the heart.
Activity: Visit a gift shop with your child and have them pick out something special for someone they love! It could be a grandparent, a friend, or your spouse. Talk about why they chose the item and how it will make the person feel. 25 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Your Heartthrob
“I am Human: A Book of Empathy” by Susan Verde
In her book “I am Human: A Book of Empathy,” Susan Verde reminds us about our power to choose how we treat each other. Through simple and relatable illustrations, she encourages young readers to think more deeply about their relationships with others and their impact on them and those around them.
The message is clear – we can create stronger connections by showing empathy towards one another. This book is a gentle reminder for children (and adults) of how powerful our actions are in creating a world full of kindness and understanding.
Activity: Give your child colorful construction paper hearts, and have them illustrate how they can show kindness in each heart shape. Connect all their creations by tying pieces of yarn from one heart to another – demonstrating how our acts of compassion create an infinite web uniting us all!
“How Full Is Your Bucket? For Kids” by Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer
In “How Full Is Your Bucket? For Kids”, Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer explore the concept of an invisible bucket with young readers. Through Felix’s story, children learn how their interactions with others can profoundly impact themselves and those around them.
The authors explain that when we show kindness to others, our buckets fill up., but if we are unkind or mean to someone else, it will empty their bucket and ours too. By teaching kids this simple lesson on empathy and compassion, Rath and Reckmeyer help them understand the power of kindness in all its forms.
Activity: Urge your youngster to draw various ways to show kindness to their siblings, pets, and friends. Explain how these acts of generosity make others feel good while also giving us an internal sense of fulfillment!
“I Belong” by Cheri Meiners
Cheri Meiners’ book “I Belong” is a beautiful story about the importance of feeling like you belong. It follows the story of a young girl who discovers how her family and friends help her feel like she belongs.
This story teaches readers that being part of something bigger than ourselves can make us feel connected, safe, and loved. This powerful message is critical for children to hear during their formative years.
With its sweet illustrations and simple language, this book will leave children and adults with a newfound appreciation for the people around them who make them feel like they truly belong.
Activity:
- Discuss with your child many ways they feel like they belong.
- Take note of their answers and develop ways to help them feel even more like they belong.
- Involve your child in activities where they can build relationships with peers and foster a sense of belonging in the family.
“All Are Welcome” by Alexandra Penfold
Alexandra Penfold’s book, “All Are Welcome,” is a beautiful story about the importance of belonging and acceptance. Through delightful illustrations that show children engaging in various activities throughout their school day, readers are reminded that although everyone may be different, they all deserve to feel welcomed and accepted within the community.
This message of inclusion is an important one for young children and adults. The story encourages us to celebrate our differences while also recognizing commonalities. It’s a great way to open up conversations around inclusion with kids.
Activity: Give your child an opportunity to express their hospitality by crafting a personalized “welcome” card or sign for family and friends the next time they visit. Educate them on how making someone feel welcomed is a caring gesture that can make all the difference in creating a sense of belongingness.
“You are Friendly” by Todd Snow
Todd Snow’s picture book, “You are Friendly,” is an uplifting story that encourages children to be kind and considerate towards others. The illustrations and simple text teach kids how to express their friendship in meaningful ways.
By showing examples of thoughtful gestures, such as giving a hug or offering to help someone out, this book helps children understand the importance of being friendly. It also emphasizes that small acts of kindness can go a long way in making people feel seen and appreciated.
Activity: Encourage your child to draw several ways to be friendly at home and school. Use these drawings each morning to remind them to be friendly, and ask your child at the end of the day to give some examples of how they were friendly. 17 Loving Ways to Support a Friend in Addiction Recovery
“I Love You Because You’re You” by Liza Baker
“I Love You Because You’re You” is a heartwarming picture book by Liza Baker. It tells the story of a mother fox reassuring her baby of how much she loves him, no matter what. Through this tender tale, readers learn that love doesn’t depend on anything other than simply being who you are.
Activity: Get the family together for a fun game. Each day, play the “I Love You When You…” game and take turns finishing this statement: “I love you when you…” Celebrate each other and show appreciation through these sentiments.
“The Power of One” by Trudy Ludwig
The Power of One, by Trudy Ludwig, is a powerful and inspiring book demonstrating how one small act of kindness can have an incredible impact. Through her narrative storytelling, she illustrates the power of simple acts, such as making someone smile or helping someone in need to make a lasting difference.
The message behind this book is that even the smallest gesture can bring about positive change in our lives and those around us. With its uplifting message and relatable characters, The Power of One provides readers with a much-needed reminder that kindness truly does matter.
Activity: Create a kindness chain. Write one way to be kind to others on a small piece of paper. Each day, your child can choose several actions to complete. When finished, link each piece of paper into a chain. Over a few months, your child will have a long chain noting all the actions they have completed!
“Kindness to Share From A to Z” by Todd and Peggy Snow
“Kindness to Share From A to Z” is a delightful and inspiring alphabet book by Todd and Peggy Snow. This book offers 26 different ways to be kind, one for each letter of the alphabet. Each page is filled with colorful illustrations that make it fun for children to read and messages about how small acts of kindness can significantly impact our lives and the world around us.
The authors hope this book will inspire young and old readers to be more mindful of their everyday actions and spread kindness worldwide.
Activity: Create an alphabet book with your child, noting the ways to be kind you plan to do in the next few months. As you complete these with your child, check off each page on your alphabet book.
Make Your Kids Feel the Love This Valentine’s Day
Make Valentine’s Day special for your children by teaching them about the power of love and how small acts of kindness can make a big difference. With these books and activities, your kids will learn the importance of being kind and understanding to those around them. These are valuable lessons that will impact them for years to come. Celebrate love and kindness this Valentine’s Day!
This article was produced on Health Makes You.