20 Board Books and Picture Books We Love

Sara Conway  //  Jan 26, 2022

20 Board Books and Picture Books We Love

Today we're celebrating Valentine's Day with some of our favorite books about love to share with your little ones. So curl up with them and dive into these heart-filled stories together!

Clifford Loves by Norman Bridwell

 Clifford the Big Red Dog loves playing outside. Clifford loves reading and swimming, too. But most importantly, Clifford loves spending time with his friends—especially Emily Elizabeth!

Learn about all of the things Clifford the Big Red Dog loves in this adorable, heart-shaped board book. It's the perfect gift for Valentine's Day and for kids who love Clifford year-round! 

Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell

 Not only is Valentine's Day on February 14th, but it's also Clifford's birthday! Celebrate this special day by reading the original story of everyone's favorite big red dog!

Love You By Heart by Peter H. Reynolds

Celebrated, bestselling creator Peter H. Reynolds brings to life this ode to unconditional love with a delightful and poetic tribute to the rare and beautiful love that binds us together. From the intimate and unbridled love parents and caregivers have for their little ones, to the tremendous love of a lifelong friendship, and the boundless love of a grandparent — this is a heartfelt message to share with the people we cherish; like a song we have known all our lives, we love them by heart. 

Bright Brown Baby by Andrea Davis Pinkney and illustrated by Brian Pinkney

 Cuddle up with your little one, read aloud, and REPEAT: This gorgeous picture book treasury is sure to become your favorite storytime anthem. Dive into these five beautiful poems that celebrate Black and brown joy, babies, and families. Warm, winsome, and welcoming illustrations from Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator Brian Pinkney exude joy and love on every page. Bouncing, rhythmic text from New York Times bestselling author Andrea Davis Pinkney rolls off the tongue and begs to be read aloud. 

Count to Love! by Andrea Davis Pinkney and illustrated by Brian Pinkney

 Snuggle up with your little one to celebrate sweet baby love! You won't be able to resist this adorable board book that is a part of the Bright Brown Baby publishing program. This joyful celebration of roly-poly, perfectly huggable, oh-so loveable little ones that is just-right for the whole family, for Valentine's Day and all throughout the year! So get ready to count to love... because once you start, you just won't stop! 

I Love You to the Moon and Back by Sandra Magsamen

 If you wish upon a great big star, I'll wish too, and be thankful for who you are. Wherever life may take you, whichever path of track, just remember...I'll love you to the moon and back! From bestselling creator Sandra Magsamen comes an expression of infinite love in this sweet board book full of rhyming text and pastel illustrations. 

I Love You, Little Monster! by Sandra Magsamen

 An adorable reminder of unconditional love for little monsters everywhere! Told with Sandra Magsamen's signature message of love, this sweet and mischievous board book reminds little ones just how loved they are...even when they act a little monstrous!  

Cock-a-Doodle Doo, I Love You! by Sandra Magsamen

 Cuddle up with your little one and this whimsical touch-and-feel tall board book! Babies and toddlers will love recognizing the call-and-response of their favorite farm animals and touching the soft, tactile tails that appear on every spread. With rhyming text, adorable farm animals, and an irresistible touch-and-feel, this board book is the perfect way to engage your little one at storytime and remind them just how loved they are! 

With All My Heart I Love You by Caroline Jayne Church

 Caroline Jayne Church, mega-bestselling creator of Ten Tiny Toes and Good Night, I Love You, brings us an adorable celebration of all things baby! Baby jumps, baby rolls; baby wiggles and baby jiggles.... and when we cuddle, just us two, with all my heart, "I love you!" 

I Love You Through and Through by Caroline Jayne Church

 A rhyming story of unconditional love with adorable illustrations of a toddler and a teddy bear who declare "I love you through and through!" Babies and toddlers will feel loved all over when they hear this declaration of adoration and affection. A perfect first book for toddlers with sturdy cardstock pages and a padded cover with rounded corners for safe handling by little ones. 

I Love You, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt and illustrated by Cyd Moore

 A vividly illustrated bedtime story that shows how the unconditional love of a mother can be tested through the relentless questions of her little boy. Lisa McCourt and Cyd Moore beautifully weave a reassuring tale of the love and affection of a parent. The imaginative son turns himself into a meat-eating dinosaur, a swamp creature and much, much more before being satisfied with the fact that no matter how stinky he is or how slimy of a creature he could possibly be, he is loved and nothing will change that.

The Littlest Valentine by Brandi Dougherty and illustrated by Michelle Todd

 Emma may be the littlest in the Valentine family, but she knows that she has what it takes to help the family business get ready for the holiday. But Emma just can't seem to do things the right way like the bigger members of her family, no matter how hard she tries. Will Emma find a way to help her family on Valentine's Day, or is the littlest Valentine just too little? 

The Littlest Cupid by Brandi Doughery and illustrated by Jamie Pogue

 Archie is the littlest cupid in his lovable family. He may be little, but Archie knows this is the year he'll be able to finally help out on Valentine's Day! But a cupid's official duties are a little difficult to manage when you're so little! Will Archie be able to find a way to spread love and friendship this Valentine's, or is the littlest cupid still too little? 

I Love You, Baby Shark illustrated by John John Bajet

 How does Baby Shark say "I love you"? Sing, dance, and read along to this brand-new love-filled song, featuring Baby Shark, Mama Shark, Daddy Shark, and more underwater friends. Perfect for bedtime, Valentine's Day, or any love-filled occasion, kids and caregivers alike will delight in this silly illustrated story, full of funny, eye-popping illustrations and a catchy tune you won't be able to stop singing. 

I Love All of Me (Wonderful Me) by Lorie Ann Grover and illustrated by Carolina Búzio

 What do you love about you? Find out in this sweet padded storybook full of wonder and love! From head to toe, there's so much to love about wild, wonderful you! With charming illustrations and a sweet, bouncy text that begs to be read aloud, this padded board book is a joyous reminder to little ones to love their whole selves—just as they are. 

How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You? by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Mark Teague

 Parents and children can never have enough ways to say "I love you"—and America's favorite dinosaurs are giving families a funny book, perfect for bedtime, storytime, anytime. Even when little dinosaurs are naughty, it's important to remind them that no matter what they do, they are always loved. In this book, readers will laugh aloud as parents cope with the typical antics of childhood, but in the end, hugs and kisses show your little one how much you care. 

Love From Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees

 Celebrate love with Giraffes Can't Dance! Featuring modified art and text from the bestselling picture book, and a fresh trim size, Love from Giraffes Can't Dance is sure to delight readers of all ages. The perfect purchase for Valentine's Day, bedtime, and all throughout the year, this lyrical book reminds readers to celebrate love, music, and dance! 

You Are My Sweetheart by Joyce Wan

 In You Are My Sweetheart, every day is a chance to say "I love you" to your dearest...and sweetest! Featuring Wan's iconic bold lines, glitter, and an irresistible cast of sweet and lovable characters, this board book is a beautiful celebration of love that reminds you to snuggle up with your own little sweetheart with "kisses and hugs!" 

I Spy Little Hearts by Jean Marzollo and Walter Wick

 Search-and-find riddles paired with amazing photographs will captivate kids of all ages in the bestselling I Spy series. Filled with fun photos from the original I Spy series, the I Spy little board books build reading and recognition skills. Preschoolers can search for hearts galore, as well as other intriguing toys and trinkets! Picture clues and rhyming riddles guide the youngest readers through the delightful puzzles. 

I Love You Because You're You by Liza Baker

 As a poem about a mama fox's unconditional love for her cub, this story describes the many moods of all children—from happy to frightened, bashful to silly, and more—and reassures them of parents' abiding affection and approval. Truly remarkable watercolor illustrations from David McPhail, sensitively wrought and never saccharine, are the perfect complement to Liza Baker's rhythmic, rhyming text.