For Your Littlest Valentine

The day of love will soon be upon us and while I don’t have any ideas about what to get your significant other (that’s a different kind of blog) I do have an idea of what you might get your kids…spoiler alert: It’s books. There are lots of Valentine themed books out there but the two I’ve listed here impart a message I want my kids to hear and remember.

DEAR GIRL written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and her daughter, Paris Rosenthal and illustrated by Holly Hatam is one of the most beautiful books I’ve seen on empowering young girls. Written as short notes from parent to daughter (or adult/child), each spread encourages the child to feel confident in who she is, to know that she is loved, and to remember that she always has someone in her corner. It is everything I could hope for in a book for my nine-year old. The illustrations are engaging and layered, inviting the reader to linger a bit longer on each page.

Another book with a similar, yet more gender-neutral, message is YOU! By Sandra Magsamen. Written in second person, the uplifting and motivating ideas are presented through fun, simple rhymes and partnered with equally fun and simple art with bold colors. Todd Parr fans will surely enjoy the style of YOU! It’s a perfect pick for my six-year old son.

Whichever book you may choose, add your own personalized note on the inside cover or let the already meaningful text say everything for you. Either way, add a little chocolate treat and Valentine’s Day for the kids is complete!

What books have you gifted that would make great Valentine’s gifts for kids?