Inspired by Valentine’s Day: Books & Songs of Love, Friendship, & Community

Valentine’s Day is all about love– for family, friends, community, and ourselves! Stories and songs about love can be a fun and engaging way to introduce the children in your early learning program to themes related to love and kindness. In this article, we share popular children’s books and easy-to-learn songs about love to enjoy with preschoolers and young children,  on Valentine’s Day…and all year-round! 

Love-themed Children’s Books

Love Triangle

This simple story about love and friendship is also an introduction to basic geometric shapes! Written by Marcie Colleen and illustrated by Bob Shea, the book tells the story of Circle and Square’s close friendship, and the way that it changes when a new student joins their class. The book helps young children welcome and build relationships with new friends. A free read-aloud of the story is available on Youtube.

Love Monster

This book, written by Rachel Bright, tells the tale of Love Monster, and his search to find someone to love him. The story highlights the power of unconditional love and friendship. A free read-aloud of the story is available on Youtube.

Love

This popular children’s book, written by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Loren Long, demonstrates the many ways that we can see and show love. The book features poetic text and beautiful illustrations that little ones and grown-ups will enjoy together. A free read-aloud of the story is available on Youtube.

Love Grows Everywhere

This story, written by Barry Timms and illustrated by Tisha Lee, describes a family that grows plants and sells them in their local market.  During their daily lives and work, they see many different types of love in their diverse community. A free read-aloud of the story is available on Youtube. 

I Am Love: A Book of Compassion

This heartwarming story, written by Susan Verde and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds, celebrates kindness, compassion, and love. The book explains that we can show love to ourselves and to others by expressing kindness, living with gratitude, and taking care of our minds and bodies. A free read-aloud of the story is available on Youtube. 

Love-themed Songs

• If You Love Me and You Know It: This song, which follows the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” and explores a variety of different ways that we can show others that we love them. 
• Love Is Something If You Give It Away: This song reminds us of the importance of sharing the love we have in our hearts, noting that if we give our love away, we will end up having more. 
• Skidamarink A Dink A Dink, I Love You: This song from the Wiggles is popular in many preschool classrooms for its silly and simple lyrics that will be easy for young children to sing along with.
  

You might also enjoy the Valentine’s Day art activities for infants, toddlers, and preschool/pre-k in this article from G2K!