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by Alli Brydon, a children’s book editor and writer based in the New York City, who has generously agreed to help us expand our childrens’-book libraries.
While Valentine’s Day is supposedly made for sweethearts, I think it’s really made for kids.
What other section of our population so freely expresses love? Who else wears their hearts on their sleeves so readily? I regularly get little sticky notes and selfie videos from my kids declaring their love and devotion. And that’s year-round. So, my kids are super excited to celebrate the “official” day of love and share little cards, candy, and anything heart-shaped with classmates, teachers, friends, and family. Naturally, I looked to the local library for books with the themes of hugs, kisses, security, love, and…monsters?
Here are four books to enjoy together this Valentine’s Day…
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Valensteins, by Ethan Long, combines the best of both worlds: icky monsters and icky LOVE. This picture book made us laugh out loud multiple times, with a variety of funny monsters questioning the Valentine-crafting session of another monster named Fran. Are those paper hearts fangs? A nose? A…butt?! When they find out Fran is possibly in LOVE, well—EWWW! Verdict: big laughs, no scares, huge love. (For ages 3 – 6)
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Hug Machine, by Scott Campbell, features the sweetest little boy who declares himself the “Hug Machine.” He hugs anything and everything: people, animals, a mailbox. This book is great because it shows a variety of reasons and purposes for giving hugs: to “calm people down,” “cheer them up,” and to make “the smallest feel big.” I found it to be a subtle lesson in sharing feelings and sympathizing with others, and also how to hug a whale. (Available in board for ages 2 – 4 and hardcover for ages 4 – 8)
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Hug Time, by Patrick McDonnell, showcases the beloved animal characters from his MUTTS cartoon. This one is pretty much a classic now. Jules, an adorable line-drawn kitten, knows that hugs make the world a better place, so he creates a “Hug To-Do List” and sets out to hug the whole world! This one also teaches you how to hug a whale. I sense a trend coming on! My favorite moment: “Jules discovered a species brand-new. / Kneeling, he whispered, ‘We welcome you.’” If that’s not an entry point to a conversation about acceptance, I don’t know what is. (Available in board for ages 2 – 4 and hardcover for ages 5 – 6)
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Love Is, by Diane Adams and Claire Keane, is a lyrical exploration of a loving relationship between a little girl and a little duck. Unconventional pet? Check! Parallels to growing children? Check! Heartbreaking moment of flight? Check! With art that has a familiar, midcentury vibe, it will bring feelings of nostalgia to older readers and feelings of security to younger ones. This book is not saccharine; it’s just the right amount of sweet. You’ll love reading it out loud, and want to hug your kids a little closer as you do. (Ages 2 – 5)
This Valentine’s Day (and every day), snuggle with your little loves and enjoy!
P.S. More Kidlit posts.
Alli Brydon is a children’s book editor and writer based in the New York City area. With nearly 15 years of experience developing, editing, and selling children’s books with US publishing houses, she has spent a large part of her career nurturing writers and illustrators to reach their potential. Having worked both as an acquiring editor and as an agent for children’s book author/illustrators, Alli has a unique blend of skills and an insider’s view of the industry. If you love reading kidlit and/or are curious about writing your own, please drop in at allibrydon.com to learn more, sign up to receive her blog posts by email, or just say “hi!”
[Lead image from Love Is, illustration by Claire Keane (Chronicle Books); all other cover images from their respective links]
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