Valentine’s Day Picture Books About Love (for Little Hearts)
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to remind our kids of two things they never outgrow needing to hear: they are deeply loved by us—and even more deeply loved by God.
While candy hearts and pink glitter are fun, stories have a unique way of shaping what our children believe about love. The right picture books can gently reinforce that love isn’t something we earn, perform for, or lose—it’s something we receive from God and then reflect back to Him and to others.
Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Whether you read these aloud as a family or tuck them into Valentine’s Day baskets, these stories create natural moments to point little hearts back to the greatest Love of all.
The books highlighted first in this list speak directly to God’s love—pointing children to where love begins, how it was most clearly shown through Jesus, and how we are invited to live it out in our own lives. Following those, you’ll find a gallery of classic and complementary Valentine’s Day picture books that celebrate family love, kindness, and care for others.
1. Guess What: God Loves You by Sarah Mackenzie
Simple and reassuring, this book clearly communicates one foundational truth: God loves you…always. Written with young children in mind, it offers straightforward gospel-centered language that helps even the littlest listeners begin to understand God’s constant and faithful love.
2. Love Made, Love Gave & Love Can by Quina Aragon
Together, the Love Made, Love Gave, and Love Can trilogy by Quina Aragon offers a beautiful, gospel-centered exploration of what love truly is. Through poetic language and stunning illustrations, these books help children see that love originates with God (Love Made), is most clearly revealed through Jesus’s sacrificial gift (Love Gave), and is lived out in our daily lives through God’s power at work within us (Love Can). It’s a thoughtful collection that moves beyond surface-level affection and points young hearts toward a deeper, biblical understanding of love.
3. Valentine: God’s Courageous Evangelist
This lesser-known but powerful story introduces children to the true Valentine—a man whose love for God compelled him to share the gospel, even at great personal cost. Told in an age-appropriate way, it helps kids see that Valentine’s Day has roots in courageous, faithful love shaped by devotion to Christ rather than romance or sentiment.
If you like this book, you’ll also like the entire Voice of the Martyrs Courageous series.
4. Twirl by Emily Lex
While not specifically tied to Valentine’s Day, Twirl is a beloved favorite for celebrating how deeply God loves girls. With gentle storytelling and watercolor illustrations, it reminds young girls that God made them each unique, intentional, and designed with a purpose all their own.
Makes a great Valentine’s day gift!
5. Saint Valentine the Kindhearted
This unique picture book introduces children to the true story behind Saint Valentine, showing love that is rooted in faith, courage, and compassion. It gently reframes Valentine’s Day, helping kids see that real love flows from devotion to God and care for others.
6. Because I Love You by Max Lucado
This is one of those books that has stayed with me since childhood, and rereading it now still brings me to tears—something about Max Lucado’s children’s stories always does. Told as a gentle allegory, it follows young Paladin as he begins to question the love of the One who made and protects him, ultimately pointing children (and parents) to the steady, patient, and unconditional love of God
7. Jesus Loves You More
While not written specifically for Valentine’s Day, Jesus Loves You More is a beautiful read for February that helps children grasp the depth and constancy of Christ’s love. Think Guess How Much I Love You but with a Christian message. It’s one that you and your littles ones will want to read again and again.
8. A Child’s First Book About Marriage
Designed for children ages 4–9, this picture book introduces God’s beautiful plan for marriage in a clear and age-appropriate way. It highlights marriage as a good and sacred commitment - even when it’s hard - designed by God between a man and a woman. It’s a helpful introduction with a biblical framework rooted in love, friendship, and lifelong faithfulness.
*This book is not on Amazon. Use code “agoodbookhunt” at WTS Books for a discount.
9. The Boy and the Ocean
This warm, reflective story uses the beauty of creation to help children begin to grasp just how wide, deep, and enduring God’s love really is. As a boy explores the ocean, mountains, and world around him, the story invites readers to notice how creation itself points back to a loving Creator.
More Books For Valentine’s Day
Below you’ll find even more Valentine’s Day picture books—many not explicitly faith-based, but all stories our family has enjoyed for their themes of love, kindness, and care for others.
I hope these stories help you create simple moments of connection that remind your kids just how deeply they are loved.
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