Our Favorite Valentine’s Books

I do get a small commission any links clicked on in this post at no additional cost to you. My family thanks you.

During the month of February our homeschool preschool likes to focus on emotions, manners and our love for each other. We use several different activities to promote this type of learning, but one of my personal favorites is books! Here are the books that we put in our February library.

In My Heart by Joe Witek– This story takes you on a journey with a young girl who is confronted with different emotions and describes how each one feels. At the end it asks your reader, “What is in your heart?” This allows your reader to reflect on their emotions. What better time to reflect on how we are really feeling than the “month of love.”

1. You’re My Little Sweet Pea- By Annette Bourland– This story is from a parent perspective, reminding your children of your love for them. One of our favorite bedtime reads.

1. The World Needs More Purple People- By Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart– Have you read this?? We LOVE this story. This text teaches young readers about the importance of being your own person, working hard, and having a voice. This is one of the most moving picture books I have ever read to my children. We added it to our Valentine readings because there is no better time to review some of the things we love about OURSELVES than a season of love.

1. Cautious Chameleon- By Michael Buxton- This story talks about a chameleon who just doesn’t feel like he belongs. He is trying to find his place in the world throughout the story by going to different locations. At the end of the story the Chameleon decides that he can be brave by standing out. This book gives me goose bumps when my five year old child with autism reads it. It reminds me a lot of my boys and their journey.

1. Grumpy Tortoise- By Michael Buxton- This is actually from the same series as above. This author does a great job of discussing emotions in this text, particularly when we are feeling discouraged, frustrated or “grumpy.” This reading guides your children through a day of a tortoise who starts out feeling grumpy. He travels through his day doing activities that make him happy, by the end of the story the tortoise realizes that he is no longer grumpy. A great story to remind our children to stay anxiously engaged in a good cause to help improve our mental health.

1. I Love You– This is great for your toddlers or littles who love touch and feel books to stay engaged!

1. My Mood, My Choices Flip Book– So, this one isn’t necessarily a book you would sit down and read with your child, but this is a game changer for your children that struggle with identifying emotions. The flip book has a monster with each emotion listed on the cover . Inside are choices that can be made with each emotion. For example, are you frustrated? Do you want to listen to music to help you overcome this emotion? This has helped my oldest child with Autism Spectrum Disorder who struggles with emotions more than I can say.

1. If I could Keep you Little- By Marianne Richmond- This a tear jerker for parents. This is another read that talks about the love a parent has for their child. This story takes you on a journey through childhood and eventually the moment we have to let our children become who they are meant to be.

1. Miss Molly’s School of Manners- We LOVE Usborne Books in our home! During the month of February we also like to focus on manners. This book is a longer read, but worth it! This book is about a young boy who comes across Miss Molly’s School of Manners and learns how to be respectful.

1. Table of Manners for Tigers– This is another boo that discusses social skills and manners, specifically at the table. Great way to reinforce social skills that your child may struggle with.

These are our favorite Valentine’s themed books! As always, if you have any questions, comments or things you want to see discussed in the future reach out to us.

We are asdmama1017 on Instagram, Pinterest and tiktok. Our messages are always open for questions or concerns. Thank you for supporting- Supporting Autism Mama.