Whether you’re looking for a new book about falling in love or just looking for the next book to fall in love with, check out these recommendations for ages from birth to teen.
Board Book
“Love Makes a Family”
by Sophie Beer
Celebrate Valentine’s Day by talking about different ways we can show love in our family. This colorful, inclusive board book features a variety of diverse family structures, relationships and gender identities. No matter what your family looks like, there are many ways to show love!
Picture Books
“Cupig: The Valentine’s Day Pig”
by Claire Tattersfield
A silly book for kids about a pig whose matchmaking arrows get blown off course. Suddenly, our favorite matches are breaking up, like Peanut Butter and Jelly, Salt and Pepper and Needle and Thread! Read to find out how Cupig gets everyone back together again.
“Wish Soup: A Celebration of Seollal”
by Junghwa Park
Lunar New Year is Feb. 17, 2026. Many different Asian countries celebrate Lunar New Year, and this book teaches kids more about the Korean traditions of this holiday. In “Wish Soup,” a young Korean girl is looking forward to eating rice cake soup to celebrate the new year. However, many different chores and tasks need to be done first! In addition to learning more about Korean culture, kids will relate to the main character’s anticipation and excitement for the new year.
Early Elementary
“Word Travelers and the Taj Mahal Mystery”
by Raj Haldar, illustrated by Neha Rawat
Best friends Eddie and Molly-Jean (MJ) are having their usual Super Saturday sleepover when they discover the Awesome Enchanted Book. This special tome belonged to Eddie’s great-grandfather, a renowned etymologist. Soon, MJ and Eddie discover that this book allows them to travel across the world as they learn the history of different words. In this first book in the series, the two friends find themselves in India trying to find a hidden treasure. This book is perfect for early elementary school readers who are just starting chapter books and looking for adventure and fun.
“Bear and Bird: The Cave and Other Stories”
by Jarvis
This collection of four short stories follows friends Bear and Bird. Through a combination of slice-of-life and adventure, young readers will be delighted with this sometimes bewildering but always cherished friendship. Fans of Elephant & Piggie and Frog & Toad will especially enjoy the dynamics of Bear & Bird. Delightful illustrations are the cherry on top!
Middle Grade
“The Wand Keepers: A Sky Full of Dragons”
by Tiffany McDaniel
The first book in a promising new fantasy series, “A Sky Full of Dragons” introduces readers to Spella, an 8-year-old with potential extraordinary abilities. Spella lives with Aunt Cauldroneyes in a whimsical forest, where they make enchanted hats for a variety of fantastical beings. When Aunt Cauldroneyes goes missing on the day Spella is set to leave for a school that teaches wand witchery and wizardry, mystery and action abound! Set in a fanciful world, this is a perfect book for fans of Harry Potter seeking something new and lively.
“Dream On”
by Shannon Hale and Marcela Cespedes
This middle grade graphic novel introduces us to Cassie, a kid growing up in the 1980s. Nestled in the middle of six kids in a too-small house, she spends her time daydreaming about what could be. When she sees a sweepstakes mailer, she starts to picture how she can help her family and friends with the winnings. With touching nostalgia, this graphic novel shows the importance of connection and making time for those around us.
Teens
“Every Spiral of Fate” (This Woven Kingdom Book 4)
by Tahereh Mafi
Alizeh, the long-lost Jinn queen, is marrying a murderous, traitorous man. A man she plans to kill one day. It is worth this cost, however, to find her magic and fulfill the prophecy to free her people. This story is filled with secrets and twists that will keep you guessing until the very end. Is Cyrus really evil? Is anything Alizeh believed in true? Whether you’re ready to enter this world from the beginning or jump in midway, this thrilling romantacy is the perfect Valentine’s Day read.
“Reasons We Break”
by Jesmeen Kaur Deo
Simran knows she’s supposed to stay away from Rajan. According to her community, he is bad news. But she knows him better than that — she believes he’s more than just a member of a gang who just got out of prison. To help Rajan pay his debt to the gang in order to be finished with them for good, Simran agrees to be their bookkeeper. But when gang war starts to break out, their love becomes more forbidden and harder to ignore. This high drama teen romance is perfect for fans of “Romeo & Juliet,” “Breaking Bad” and “West Side Story.”
