February: Valentine’s, Palentine’s, Galentine’s, Shmalentine’s.
I am not the world's biggest fan of Valentine's Day but I need no excuse to highlight some books, and books about love no less! I do tend to buy my own children a book for Valentine’s mind you, (I know this must come as a shocking revelation!) so I have put together a little list of books all about love. (See how almost completely positive this blog post was, now I will shut up before I get into why white, powerful men are so problematic…oh, so close!)
I Love You Every Colour by Caryl Lewis and Jill Calder
A celebration of love for all the seasons, love for the natural world, love for a child. All in an explosion of colourful artwork by one of our favourite’s, Scottish illustrator - Jill Calder. It’s simply a beautiful book to share together.
‘I love you silver. Dew drop. Gossamer.
Morning cobwebs. Elderflower.
I love you moon-path and shimmer.
I love you mist and fish glimmer.
I love you heron and river.’
11 Words for Love by Randa Abdel-Fattah & Maxine Beneba Clarke
What would you bring if you had to flee your home? Many of us would likely agree that photos would be a priority if we could. Photos of happier times. Photos of loving memories. In 11 Words for Love the reader flips through the family photo album of a Palestinian family album showing their special moments and the words that express that form of love. (11 of the over 50 words there are for love in Arabic!) The Arabic script is accompanied by phonetic spelling that non-Arabic speakers can use to pronounce each word.
’Showq
And love that burns,
that yearns to touch
homeland-heartland soil
one last time.’
Ten Word Tiny Tales of Love by Joseph Coelho
British poet and children’s book author, Joseph Coelho, collaborates with 21 illustrators who bring to life his tiny ten word long ‘stories’. Inviting readers to imagine what might happen next in these tales. It’s creative, surreal, unique and beautiful.
‘The kisses in her card grew wings and flowery scents’
My Art Book of Love by Shana Gozansky
My Art Book series hold a special place in my heart as they (specifically this one and My Art Book of Sleep) were one of the first books my little girl would finish the sentences of while being read to and pick up and ‘read’ herself as a little tiny person. They also offer an unapologetic introduction to famous works of art (mainly from Western culture) including Marc Chagall, Amy Sherald, Salvador Dali, Keith Haring, Jeff Koons, Mary Cassatt and Henry Moore. Very much looking forward to My Art Book of Peace coming out late April 2026.
‘Love feels…
Safe…
And steady.
Graceful…
And sturdy.
Warm like the sun on your skin…
And cozy like a bedtime cuddle.’
My Bright Shining Star by Fatima Whitbread & Rhian Wright
Written by Olympian Fatima Whitbread, who is herself care experienced, the story is informed by her own childhood memories of living in children’s homes. It is a story of love, kindness and hope, of finding your own north star - the constant in your life that keeps you steady, no matter what.
“I live in a big house with lots of other children.
I used to live with my mummy. It was much quieter and I only had Teddy to play with.
Mummy sometimes found it hard to look after me, so Teddy and went to live at the big house for a while”
I Love You More by Clare Helen Welsh, Kevin & Kristen Howdeshell
Many grown-ups will be familiar with the ‘I love you more’ contest and so if you are looking to up your game while enjoying bright and bold artwork that focuses on the beautiful natural world around us - this one is for you.
‘I love you like the penguins love to waddle in the snow, like seal pups love to snooze upon their sunlit icy floe.’
Love is in the LIttle Things by Stella J Jones & Jane Massey
This is one of the books I bought for my own 2-year-old for Valentine’s this year. It’s sweet without being saccharin! It also isn’t overwhelming in length which is important for a 2 year old! And despite my bleak blog posts at times I am a bit of a sap and this is just the right level of lovely sappiness!
‘But really, Small,
love is made from the little things.
Little things like what?
Well, like…your hand in mine.’
When You Joined Our Family by Harriet Evans & Nia Tudor
I have been actively looking for books that share the spectrum of family dynamics. A child who sees themselves represented on the pages of a book is more likely to feel positively about books, that the book world is for them, for everyone, and to read for pleasure! When You Joined Our Family is a book that reassures the reader that families come in all sorts of shapes and sizes but they are all equally full of love. It takes the reader through different stages, and feelings, of the adoption process.
‘When you joined our family,
Everything must have seemed new and strange.
We spent time together, and you learned
that I will always keep you safe’’
Together With You by Patricia Toht & Jarvis
A book about memories made between a Grandmother and grandchild throughout the seasons. We own, I think, all of the ‘Pick a…’ series by Toht & Jarvis and this is another beauty by the duo. Jarvis’ illustrations are dreamy, sweet and pair beautifully with Toht’s words. You can feel the love coming off the page!
‘Hot cocoa is best with some marshmallow bits, I know you like peppermint tea…we both can stay warm on a cold winter’s night, if we cuddle up close, you and me.’
Coorie Doon by Jackie Kay & Jill Calder
Oh, I struggle to not cry with this one! Just thinking of it can get me misty eyed… By former Makar, Jackie Kay, it tells the tale of Shona. As a wee girl she is read and sung to by her parents and then, sixty years later, she is the one reading and singing to her now elderly Father, with his ‘papery old forehead’. A self-described Scottish Lullaby Story - it is dreamy, whimsical & poignant in both words and pictures. Jill Calder’s artwork is perfect, as always.
‘Ilka times, her daddy sang
A song Shona loved called the T
iree love song
He-ree ho-ro my bonnie wee girl
He-ree ho-ro my fair one
Will you come away, my love
To be my own, my rare one.
And she wuid drift awa’
All safe and snuggly and cooried in.
One last wee cuddle and nicht nicht
One last see you in the morning.’
A Waffle Lot of Love by Ben Clanton
The Narwhal and Jelly series were one of the first graphic novel series my little girl (and I!) fell in love with. I don’t even remember how we found them but they are full to the brim with tales of friendship, cheesy puns, waffles, love and interesting facts about sea creatures. (I also relate a great deal to over-thinking, over-cautious Jelly!) A ‘whaley-awesome’ addition to the brilliant series of early reader graphic novels for little ones making their tentative steps into independent reading!
‘Toodle-oo-kangaroo!’
“Hilarious and charming. The most loveable duo.’ Dav Pilkey, bestselling author of DOGMAN and CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS
Dive into the hilarious tenth book of this blockbuster graphic novel series! Narwhal is a happy-go-lucky narwhal. Jelly is a no-nonsense jellyfish. The two might not have a lot in common, but they do love waffles, parties and adventures. Have a whale of a time with the ocean’s most adorable best friend duo in four new under the sea stories! It's PALentine's Day and Jelly gives Narwhal a whaley nice card — but now Narwhal has no idea what to give him! One card isn't nearly enough, and soon Narwhal is flooding Jelly with gifts galore: waffles, a book about Jelly, more waffles, a song about Jelly … MORE waffles! Jelly is grateful, but hanging out with his friend is all he really wants. A hilarious and charming book about the true nature of friendship.
Full-colour artwork throughout and packed with facts and jokes – the perfect first graphic novel series for young readers and next step from picture books.
"A warm hug of a book ... this seems as personal as any of Kay’s poetry. And as full of love." The Herald
The stunning debut picture book from Jackie Kay, one of the UK's foremost poets, rooted in familiar folk songs, and injected with gloriously lyrical old Scots.
When Shona was a wee bit bairnHer daddy would sing Coorie Doon,Till she cooried doon and fell asleepUnder the huge eye o’ the moon. Every night, Shona is tucked into bed by her loving parents, who sing her old and familiar folk songs: Tiree Love Song; Goodnight, Irene and Will Ye Go, Lassie, Go? And as Shona sleeps, we follow the people and places that drift into her dream world: her best "fiere", Ali, her dog, Marley, her cat, Flo... Then, years later, we meet Shona when she is sixty – actually sixty years old! – as she tucks her daddy, now an old man, into bed.
And it is her turn to sing to him: "Coorie Doon, Coorie Doon, wee Daddy". Magnificently illustrated by Jill Calder, this is a truly original picture book that celebrates the small, perfect rituals of childhood and how they become a vital part of who we are. The book also includes a QR code to scan that will link through to a video from Jackie Kay and free audio recordings of songs from the book from legendary folk singers Peggy Seeger, Claire Brown and Suzanne Bonnar.
The perfect gift for everyone you love, this special book celebrates love in all its forms in an explosion of colour and beauty. I Love You Every Colour celebrates love through the seasons and in every mood. From bright, blood-red sunrises to jewel-studded purples and lush, rich greens, this book encourages young readers to expand their imaginations.
Each stunning painting packs an emotional punch and is filled with details to pore over. Created by two award-winning talents, Caryl Lewis (twice winner of Wales Book of the Year) and Jill Calder (Association of Illustrators: Silver Award), this is a book you'll want to give to anyone and everyone that you hold dear.
Key themes: Love; family; imagination
From the former Children’s Laureate, comes a compendium of spectacularly illustrated tales
Is it possible to spin a tale of love using just ten words? It most certainly is! In this unique and magnificent compendium designed to spark the imagination, Joseph Coelho brings us cherished moments between siblings, worlds where nature blooms and heals, and touching tales of beloved pets ... all in just ten words! Each tale has been paired with one of the finest illustrators working today – and, together, the words and pictures will create a space for creativity as young readers imagine how the story might unravel. They might even be inspired to pen a ten-word tiny tale of their own! Written by former Waterstones Children's Laureate and winner of the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing, Joseph Coelho, and with two creative writing challenges at the back, this is the perfect gift for all those ready to unleash their imaginations.
A celebration of all the little ways we show our love from the talented Jane Massey. Love is in the little things. A kiss, a smile, a cup of tea.
Just me and you sitting quietly. A song, a hug, a helping handthat lifts us up so we can stand. Join Big and Small as they journey through the moments that make a relationship - from blowing bubbles in the bath, to saying 'sorry'.
This charming picture book is the ideal gift for parents welcoming home a new baby or to share with a loved one on a special occasion.
Introduce young ones to the strength of love and kindness in this touching story about finding hope in the toughest places, authored by Olympic-medal-winner Fatima Whitbread. North Star, North Star,Are you near or are you far?Shining with a twinkling glow,Please show us which way to go. Join Little Fatima on a journey to find her forever home, even though it is not as easy as she had hoped. But through this journey, a bright shining star is always there to guide Fatima. Lots of people look after Fatima and her friends at the children's home, but Aunty Rae always makes Fatima feel special and loved.
Even as the other children leave with their new parents, Aunty Rae encourages and cares for Fatima, filling her life with warmth and hope. Through the uncertainty and disappointments, Aunty Rae is a constant support. Together, Fatima and Aunty Rae look out at the bright North Star and dream of Fatima's happy future with a family waiting for her somewhere.
But the brightest light in Little Fatima's life is her Aunty Rae, her bright shining star. Kindness and love can make you feel safe and strong, no matter your circumstances. All you need is one bright shining star to make you feel better, and this is the central message of this beautiful, powerful picture book.
My Bright Shining Star gently demonstrates how important kindness is for children and families everywhere. Acts of kindness can make a true difference in other people's lives, and this simple message is central to Little Fatima's story – and is important for families everywhere. Written by world javelin champion, world record holder and twice Olympic medallist Fatima Whitbread, and informed by her own childhood growing up in children's homes, this heartwarming story will fill readers with hope and love. An inspiring true account of Fatima's own adoption and successful Olympic career follows the picture-book story, bringing the reality of growing up in care to life for readers in a gentle and comforting way.
Paired with richly glowing, whimsical illustrations from Rhian Wright, this is a truly poignant story to be shared over and over again. My Bright Shining Star is a wonderful story of kindness to be enjoyed by all families, celebrating how love and hope shine through all darkness.
A heartfelt celebration of parental love and the beauty of nature. How much does Mum love her little Rae? More than seal pups and penguins love their icy home, more than dolphins love the boundless sea or lions love to race and roar, more even than all the stars, the moon and the sun combined. In fact, she loves her more than words can even say . . . A beautiful, lyrical story which reassures children that the love between a parent and child is unconditional and everlasting, whilst encouraging them to explore and discover, to change and grow.
Includes a FREE Nosy Crow Stories Aloud® audiobook! Scan the code, hear the story.
There are eleven words for love, and my family knows them all. A family flees their homeland to find safety in another country, carrying little more than a suitcase full of love. As their journey unfolds, the oldest child narrates 11 meanings for love in Arabic as her family show, and are shown, all different kinds of love in their new home, and they also remember the love they have for their homeland and for those left behind or lost along the way.
In the Arabic language, there are over 50 words describing the degrees of love. That's 50 stories, 50 life-worlds. This lyrical and heartwarming book takes you on a journey through 11 of these Arabic expressions for love.
'Randa's rich words and Maxine's moving illustrations make this book sing' The Australian Women's Weekly'An uplifting, emotionally charged story . . . matched with bold illustrations that exude deep warmth' Sydney Morning Herald'A beautifully rendered, timely picture book created with heart' Books+Publishing
Previous Book of the Month (February)
Key Themes: Family; The seasons; Grandparents
I slide my hand into the crook of your arm, as you open your big brolly wide. We both can stay dry when the spring showers fall, if we dash through the drops, side by side... As spring turns to summer, and autumn turns to winter, we follow a little boy and his grandmother as they take delight in everything the changing seasons have to offer – from jumping in puddles, to tasting sweet ice lollies, to nestling under blankets on a cold, snowy night.
But no matter the weather, whatever they do, their joy is in being together, in the small – but momentous – adventures that they share. With vivid illustrations and read-aloud words, this is a tender celebration of grandparent love from the duo behind the bestselling and acclaimed Pick a Pine Tree and Pick a Pumpkin.
When you joined our family, I knew you were just who I'd waited and wished for. Full of heartwarming illustrations, this emotive picture book showcases the unconditional love between an adopted child and their adoptive parents. A gentle exploration of the adoption experience, from first meetings to creating new family traditions.
This keepsake children’s book celebrates love in a new and accessible way: through art Featuring a bright stylish cover and sturdy colorful pages, My Art Book of Love pairs 35 famous artworks with sweet read-aloud text to illustrate the many feelings love can inspire – from joy to strength to togetherness. A beautiful gift for babies, toddlers, and young children, as well as new and expecting parents, My Art Book of Love includes vibrant paintings, drawings, and sculptures by a diverse array of artists – from Mary Cassatt and Marc Chagall to Amy Sherald and Kerry James Marshall. With its elegant design and heartwarming descriptions, My Art Book of Love will be treasured by little ones and grown-ups alike.
Part of the beloved My Art Books series of stunning board books, which explore big feelings through famous artworks.