14 of the Most Charming Picture Books Celebrating Love

According to Urban Dictionary unconditional love “is known as affection without any limitations or love without conditions.” Love given unconditionally makes us feel loved and of course happier, particularly children. It helps children feel safe and secure in the world and that it is okay to make mistakes. These books celebrating love are perfect to read around Valentine’s Day.

The picture books show characters receiving and giving unconditional love and the benefits of it. But they are books that should be shared any time of the year, and will reinforce your love for your child. They show different kinds of love including platonic, romantic and family love and friends who respect and love each other. So snuggle up with your loved ones and share these charming books.

Below is a fun video of children describing love to an illustrator.

Books Celebrating Love

“A life with love will have some thorns, but a life without love will have no roses. To the world, you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.” – Dr. Seuss

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Love by Matt de la Peña

“In this heartfelt celebration of love, Newbery Medal-winning author Matt de la Peña and bestselling illustrator Loren Long depict the many ways we experience this universal bond, which carries us from the day we are born throughout the years of our childhood and beyond. With a lyrical text that's soothing and inspiring, this tender tale is a needed comfort and a new classic that will resonate with readers of every age.” G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

So Much! by Trish Cooke

“Mom and baby are home alone when—DING DONG!—Auntie and then Uncle and Nannie and Gran-Gran and the cousins come to visit. And they all want to hug and kiss and squeeze and eat the baby right up—because everybody loves the baby SO MUCH!” Candlewick

I'd Know You Anywhere, My Love by Nancy Tillman

“There are things about you quite unlike any other.Things always known by your father or mother.So if you decide to be different one day,no worries… I'd know you anyway.Every child is special and unique, but every child also loves to dream of being something different.” Feiwel & Friends

Love Is by Diane Adams

“Perfect for any fond gift or tender moment, this story of a girl and a duckling who share a touching year together will melt hearts old and young. In this tenderly funny book, girl and duckling grow in their understanding of what it is to care for each other, discovering that love is as much about letting go as it is about holding tight.” Chronicle Books

I'll Love You Till the Cows Come Home by Kathryn Cristaldi

“I will love you till the cows come home from a trip to Mars through skies unknown, in a rocket ship made of glass and stone… I will love you till the cows come home. Love knows no bounds in this tender tribute to the depths of family love.” HarperCollins

Love, Z by Jessie Sima

“When a small robot named Z discovers a message in a bottle signed “Love, Beatrice,” they decide to find out what “love” means. Unable to get an answer from the other robots, they leave to embark on an adventure that will lead them to Beatrice—and back home again, where love was hiding all along.” Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

How Do I Love Thee? by Jennifer Adams

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. Whether in soft sunlight or rain-drizzled night or winter's frost-etched breath, three children share the love and joy of friendship while exploring the wonders of nature.” Balzer + Bray

That's Me Loving You by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

“Wherever you are, Wherever you go,Always remember And always know. . . That feeling you always have in your heart? That's me loving you.Amy Krouse Rosenthal captures parents’ desire to be ever-present in this simple and touching poem offering reassurance of their love. Signs of affection can be found in the natural world around us—from a soft breeze to a shimmering star.” Random House Books for Young Readers

Found by Jeff Newman

“Jenn’s beloved dog was lost sometime ago. Long enough that she has given up the search. But she still misses her friend. One day she finds a lost dog. She takes him in and despite a rocky start, she grows to love him. Until she spots his picture on a missing poster. His name is Roscoe, and he’s someone else’s best friend. Jenn knows she should return Roscoe, but she really doesn’t want to. Will Jenn do the right thing? Or will she keep this new dog she’s grown to love so much?” Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

More Than Food? by Natalie Broulette

“In More Than Food?, a young boy questions how much his mother loves him, and she expresses her feelings through strawberries, potatoes, ice cream, chicken tikka masala, coconut cake and more. A picture book full of charming illustrations and playful rhymes, More Than Food? explores the joy of food and language through the imagination of a child.” Plumlette Publishing

The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin

“From brave and bold to creative and clever, Emily Winfield Martin's rhythmic rhyme expresses all the loving things that parents think of when they look at their children. With beautiful, and sometimes humorous, illustrations, and a clever gatefold with kids in costumes, this is a book grown-ups will love reading over and over to kids—both young and old. A great gift for any occasion, but a special stand-out for baby showers, birthdays, and graduation. The Wonderful Things You Will Be has a loving and truthful message that will endure for lifetimes.” Random House Books for Young Readers

Someday by Alison McGhee

“A mother's love leads to a mother's dream -- every mother's dream -- for her child to live life to its fullest. A deceptively simple, powerful ode to the potential of love and the potential in life, Someday is the book you'll want to share with someone else...today. The perfect gift for Mother's Day, Graduation Day or Any Day - share a copy with every special person in your life.” Atheneum Books for Young Readers

The I Love You Book by Todd Parr

“I love you when you give me kisses.I love you when you need hugs...Most of all, I love you just the way you are.In this colorful picture book, Todd Parr explores the meaning of unconditional love in a heartfelt, playful way. Perfect for Valentine's Day and beyond, Parents and caregivers are sure to be inspired by Todd's vibrant illustrations and tender sentiments, and will enjoy sharing this very special book with the little ones they love.” Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Hair for Mama by Kelly Tinkham

“It’s family picture time for the Carters, but Mama does not want to be in the photo this year. All of her beautiful hair is gone because of chemotherapy treatments for her cancer, and she doesn’t want to be remembered without hair. Eight-year-old Marcus knows that the picture won’t be the same without Mama, so he comes up with a plan to find her some hair and make her better. Even though the plan doesn’t work in quite the way Marcus expects, he comes to understand that “hair is nice to have, but not as nice as me having Mama and Mama having me.” Dial Books

Head out to your local library or bookstore to find some of these great books. Or you can purchase through the affiliate links under each book.

What are your favourite books celebrating love? Let me know in the comments.

There's a Book For That!

14 of the Most Charming Picture Books Celebrating Love