By Aimee Haldron, Nicole Haynes and Emma Rogers
Valentine’s Day will soon be upon us, so what better time to showcase some brilliant children’s books that celebrate love. Love comes in all shapes and sizes: from the love between parent and child to the bond with pets; from self-love to friendships, there are plenty of books out there that shine a light on every kind of love.
Picture Books
The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin
The Wonderful Things You Will Be, written by Emily Winfield Martin, is a poem all about growing up. It teaches young readers about the numerous possibilities the future holds and is a fun way to help children learn to love themselves, whether they are brave and bold or creative and wise. Its read-aloud rhyme and fun illustrations make it the perfect book to read with an adult and is one they can keep going back to again and again.
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
Based on the Oscar-Winning short film of the same name, Hair Love is an ode to loving your natural hair. Zuri’s mum always does her hair how she likes it, so when her dad steps in to style her hair for a special occasion, he has a lot to learn about her kinks and coils. Not only does this book teach young readers about how to love oneself, it also celebrates the special bond between fathers and daughters.
I Am Perfectly Designed by Karamo and Jason Brown
From the star of Queer Eye, Karamo Brown, and his son, Jason Brown, comes a beautiful story about loving who you are which explores the bond between father and son. This touching story follows a father and son as they spend the day together and chat about all the ways they are perfectly designed for each other. From playing in the park to eating ice creams, this heartwarming story is perfect for sharing in all different kinds of families.
Middle Grade
When Stars are Scattered by Omar Mohammed and Victoria Jamieson
Published in 2020, this graphic novel tells the story of Omar and his younger brother, Hassan, who have spent most of their lives in a refugee camp in Kenya with little food and no access to medical care. When Omar is given the opportunity to attend school, he knows this could be the key to changing their future, but it would also mean leaving his brother. This book, based on the true story of Omar Mohammed and his brother, was a National Book Award Finalist due to its raw and honest look at life for children living in refugee camps and perfectly combines humour and hope to tell a beautiful story of the love between two brothers.
Seven Clues to Home by Gae Polisner and Nora Raleigh Baskin
Exploring themes of love and grief, Seven Clues to Home takes place on Joy Fonseca’s thirteenth birthday – a day she is dreading as it marks the anniversary of her best friend’s death. In memory of Lukas’ death, Joy decides to open the first clue to their annual scavenger hunt that he left for her a year prior. Told in dual timelines, the story follows Joy and Lukas’ friendship, delving into their blossoming romantic feelings for one another and the things left unsaid. A bittersweet story about love and loss, this book would appeal to both children and adults alike.
Young Adults
Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins
Her Royal Highness is a spin-off of Rachel Hawkins’ Royals, but you needn’t have read the first book to enjoy this one. After Millie catches her girlfriend, Jude, kissing her ex-boyfriend, she decides to spend her final year of high school in a boarding school in Scotland. On arrival, she learns her roommate is none other than the country’s Princess, Flora. The pair do not get along at first, but before long they embark on a relationship that Millie is sure cannot have a happy ending. This book is the perfect read for anybody that loves a royal romance or an enemies to lovers arc!
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
Following the romantic heroine Evangeline Fox, Once Upon a Broken Heart explores themes of love, betrayal and self-discovery. Working in her eccentric father’s curiosity shop, Evangeline grew up believing in fate and love at first sight. However, after discovering that the love of her life is engaged to another, she decides to take matters into her own hands. She makes a deal with the infamous Prince of Hearts, expecting her problems to disappear. But this is only the beginning of Evangeline’s journey, and the Prince of Hearts has a few tricks up his sleeve…
We hope these love-filled books have got you in the mood for Valentine’s Day! Perhaps you may even be gifted a book or two…