Kids

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Kaboose
Valentine’s Day crafts, recipes, cards, and more.

DLTK
Valentine’s Day cards, coloring pages, games, puzzles, and more.

Enchanted Learning
Activities, Crafts and Cards for Valentine’s Day.

Kiddyhouse
Learn about the history of Valentine’s Day here.

Celebrations

Lauren Conrad was born on February 1, 1986.
The official website of the star of MTV’s The Hills


Laura Ingalls Wilder was born on February 7, 1867.
The official website of the author of Little House on the Prairie


Judy Blume was born on February 12, 1938.
The official website of the author of Freckle Juice and Superfudge


Corbin Bleu was born on February 21, 1989.
The official website of the star of High School Musical

Did You Know?

February 2 is Groundhog Day.

DLTK
Groundhog Day fun and crafts

Just For Fun

Q: What did the boy bird sing to the girl bird on Valentine’s Day?
A: Let me call you Tweetheart!

More fun Valentine’s Day jokes and riddles here

Great Reads

Valentine’s Day books for pre-schoolers and young readers

Love, Splat by Rob Scotton
(Pre-K–K) The lovable but insecure feline from Splat the Cat (2008) returns to celebrate Valentine’s Day. He has a crush on Kitten, but whenever they meet she pulls his ears, ties his tail, and calls him smelly. His classmate Spike—who has his own crush on Kitten—does his best to convince Splat that Kitten doesn’t return his affections. Fortunately, Kitten is able to see through Spike’s amorous professions, leading to a happy Valentine exchange. Scotton’s cartoon-style artwork features animals rendered in black-and-gray tones using vividly colored human accessories. A perfect choice for Valentine story hours or for Splat fans any time of the year.
(Review courtesy of Booklist)

Henry and the Valentine Surprise by Nancy Carlson
(Pre-K–Grade 1) As Valentine’s Day approaches, Henry, a mouse, and his animal classmates notice a beautifully wrapped, heart-shaped package on their teacher’s desk, and they wonder if Mr. McCarthy has a girlfriend. The students spy on him as he talks to the playground monitor at recess, gets an extra tuna melt from the cafeteria lady, and lunches with the French teacher. They decide that their teacher has many girlfriends. Told with mounting suspense, this mystery has a delightful and satisfying conclusion. Brightly colored comic illustrations portray the excitement at school as the special day approaches.
(Review courtesy of School Library Journal)

Love, Ruby Valentine by Laurie B. Friedman
(Pre-K–Grade 1) With a name like Ruby Valentine, how could a girl not love Valentine’s Day? To prepare, Ruby and her pet bird embark on a mission. They make glittery cards and heart-shaped cookies. They create goody bags, curl ribbons, wrap gifts and load up the wagon. Ruby decides on an outfit, fixes her hair and falls asleep, exhausted. Unfortunately, she snoozes for 24 hours straight, and when she awakes, she is bereft-it’s a day too late to tell everyone that she loves them. Her bird convinces her that the townspeople won’t mind that she’s behind schedule, so Ruby valiantly sets out, full of apologies, to distribute her cards and gifts. When she realizes that no one is upset in the least, Ruby vows to express her love throughout the year and make good on her promise. A Valentine’s offering as sweet as candy.
(Review courtesy of Kirkus Reviews)

Heart to Heart with Mallory by Laurie B. Friedman
(Grades 2–4) In this sixth book about Mallory, her new friend, Joey, and best friend from the old neighborhood, Mary Ann, are spending a lot more time together. Joey’s father and Mary Ann’s mother are dating, and the nine-year-old feels left out of the new family circle. Mallory fears that her friends’ parents will marry and that the step-siblings will forget about her. The book is written as a diary and includes the date, time, and location for each entry, e.g., “Monday after school, at the desk in the kitchen.” Pencil cartoons and a font that resembles a child’s handwriting lend appeal. Friedman finds a true voice for her likable but somewhat self-centered character. It is all about Mallory until Joey admits that he is also frightened by the changes in his family. She then realizes that her worries are minor. A Valentine’s Day party, exchanging cards at school, and a clever secret admirer who turns out to be a “friendly cheerer-upper” type rather than the “in-love-with-you” type are incorporated into the story.
(Review courtesy of School Library Journal)

The Valentine Cat by Ann Whitehead Nagda
(Grades 2–4) Nagda and Roth add to their series of pet-themed beginning chapter books. When her brother develops asthma, fourth-grader Jenny must find a new home for her cat. She gives Munchkin to two different friends, but the feline isn’t happy at either house. Jenny’s teacher agrees to allow the animal to stay at school for two weeks until the child can make other arrangements. Munchkin seems comfortable there but keeps causing trouble, knocking over a flowerpot and a cricket cage. Jenny’s class is having a pet party for Valentine’s Day, and she hopes that Munchkin can behave himself enough to win over everyone—especially the principal—and become the official school cat. A subplot has the students learning about writing newspaper articles. Reluctant readers will enjoy the simple yet fast-paced, humorous text. Amusing black-and-white cartoons depict the action. A great choice for newly independent readers or as a classroom share-aloud.
(Review courtesy of School Library Journal)

Attack of the 50-Ft. Cupid (Franny K. Stein, Mad Scientist) by Jim Benton
(Grades 2–4) In this beginning chapter book, young mad-scientist Franny wants a lab assistant. For Valentine’s Day, she gets her wish when her mother gives her Igor, a dog that is supposed to be a purebred Lab. It turns out, however, that Igor is part poodle, part Chihuahua, part beagle, part spaniel, part German shepherd, and completely incompetent. When Igor fools with one of Franny’s inventions, a Valentine Poem Generator with 600-plus combinations, he accidentally sets loose a giant, 50-feet-tall, arrow-shooting cupid, and it’s up to Franny to save the day. Ultimately, Igor redeems himself by coming to Franny’s rescue. Hilarious cartoon drawings by the author capture the action on nearly every page.
(Review courtesy of Booklist)