MotherReader

Today and even tomorrow, frantic parents will run into the library looking for a Valentine book to read at their child’s school, only to find that all the holiday books are gone. But no worries, because here are some sweet love stories that will nicely fill the gap.

Never Too Little To Love
by Jeanne Willis, illustrated by Jan Fearnley
A mouse wants to give a kiss to his friend, but she’s way above him — literally. He stacks things precariously to get a little bit higher, but it’s pretty clear that this homemade ladder is not going to hold. Fortunately, the giraffe he loves bends down and offers a kiss. Simple and sweet, the book has sturdy pages for the littlest readers.
Porcupining: A Prickly Love Story
by Lisa Wheeler, illustrated by Janie Bynum
Alone and ignored in the petting zoo, the poor porcupine can’t find somebody to love. Oh but he tries, courting other animals with unintentionally insulting songs. Because no female, pigs included, wants to be called “pink and fat.” Just as he is about to give up hope, he meets a darling hedgehog. The cheery illustrations feature clever details, and the funny story will charm all audiences.
Pierre in Love
by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Petra Mathers
A fisherman rat is too shy to talk to the ballerina bunny he loves. He leaves her gifts and flowers in secret, and eventually she catches him. Unfortunately, she loves another. So sad. Pierre stills feels better after having shared his secret and encourages her to do the same with wonderful results for all. The watercolor artwork of the fishing village captures the feelings of this gentle tale.

Some other titles to find in your library: Henry in Love, by Peter McCarty; My Penguin Osbert in Love, by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel, illustrated by H.B. “Buck” Lewis; Mousie Love, by Dori Chanconos, illustrated by Josée Masse; Mole’s in Love, by David Bedford, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw; and Bloom! A Little Book about Finding Love, by Maria Van Lieshout. Any other suggestions?