by WB Intern Macy Lane
In Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s famous Sonnet 43, “How Do I Love Thee?”, she counts the many ways she expresses her love. While her passion surpasses man-made constraints and natural life, she inspires us to show and share our love with the special people in our lives. This Valentine’s Day, we’ve selected 5 picture books to help you say “I love you” to the ones you hold near and dear to your heart.
Grumpy Monkey Valentine Gross-Out by Suzanne Lang, Max Lang (Illustrator) is a new addition to the Grumpy Monkey series. In this book, our favorite monkey, Jim Panzee is shocked and grossed out when he realizes that everyone around him loves Valentine’s Day! With the same laugh-out-loud humor we’ve come to expect from Suzanne Lang, we share Jim’s journey as he grows to understand that there is another side to Valentine’s Day. We find love can be shared with all of the people in your life and it’s not gross at all…most of the time!
Nosotros Means Us by Paloma Valdivia is a bilingual story of endearing love between a mother and child. With beautifully simple illustrations, each page tugs at our heartstrings. Written with a nod to The Runaway Bunny and The Wonderful Things You Will Be, this author as well as illustrator captures the essence of unconditional love that lasts a lifetime. This sweet, simple story is sure to become a favorite!
The Love Letter: A Valentine’s Day Book for Kids by Anika Aldamuy Denise, Lucy Ruth Cummins (Illustrator) reminds us that we all love to be loved. When a heartfelt love letter lands in the hands of Hedgehog, Bunny, and Squirrel, a series of events unfold that spread kindness, goodwill, and a slight bit of confusion. We won’t spoil the surprise ending, but rest assured, the message will leave you smiling and feeling the love.
I Love You Like Yellow by Andrea Beatty, Vashti Harrison (Illustrator) is a beautiful, bedtime book written in charming, rhyming text that reminds a child of their parents’ love. Unconditional love is highlighted in life’s everyday moments, but sometimes it’s the smallest things that have the greatest ability to touch our hearts. We love this book because it reminds us that families and love can look all sorts of ways!
Lastly, how could we not include How Do I Love Thee?: A Valentine’s Day Book for Kids by Jennifer Adams, Christopher Silas Neal (Illustrator)? In this charming reimagining of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Sonnet 43, Jennifer Adams poetically places her own touch on the original ode. The illustrations, by Christopher Silas Neal, partner beautifully with the poetry to bring forth imagery that helps tell the story of love among family and friends. We think Elizabeth Barrett Browning would approve.
Which one will you share with the ones you love? Let us know on our social media!
About the Author
Macy Lane is a lifelong writer, an SEL Coach, and an IB Coordinator. Although she is a native Texan, she will soon be traveling across the country with her husband on the school bus they are converting into a tiny home! She loves writing children’s picture books and dreams of being published someday soon. When not writing, you can find her honing her DIY skills on her ‘skoolie’, navigating the waters of empty-nester life, and planning her next adventure.