Books about Love

A sweet and charming story about the different ways to say I love You. Bush baby wants to find a special way to show somebody special his love for them. Should he sail to sea or climb the highest mountain? Should he buy flowers or make a special card? Or perhaps he can simply find a way to explain the special sparkly feeling that his unconditional love gives him. This is a wonderful book for Valentines Day, with a story that tries to encapsulate the puzzle of expressing one of the biggest feelings of all.

This classic picturebook is a must-read for preschoolers. Guess How Much I Love You has been delighting preschool children for generations. For generations, children and adults alike have been entertained by this story of mutual love between Little and Big Nutbrown Hare, and their increasing expressions of love for each other. Guess How Much I Love You is a true storytime favourite book in both preschool classrooms and homes.

Bear loves Small and Small loves Bear. Their love is constant and unconditional and often unspoken. Stella J Jones’s delightful story is an affirmation that love is love regardless of size, difference or gesture. This is a reassuring text that will confirm to all readers that love is always there and often in the most ordinary of times.

Younger readers will associate with the shared experiences of Small and Bear: singing songs together, holding hands, little notes in a packed lunch box for example and will be heartened to be shown that these ‘small things’ are, indeed, acts of love. Whilst Bear and Small do share times of excitement such as watching fireworks together, the key message of the story is that the ordinary, day-to-day shared experiences are rich with love and togetherness. The concept that love exists even in the ‘tough’ times is subtly explored; saying sorry and forgiveness are included as moments when love remains. This is a key message for young readers.

The gentle rhythmic pattern and occasional rhyme add a lulling, soothing pace – perfect for calming bedtimes or calm Preschool storytimes for quieter moments. Jane Massey’s simple watercolour illustrations beautifully reflect the emotions of Small and Bear and add to, but do not detract from the book’s overall charm. A gorgeous book to share with loved ones, big and small, to remind them that no matter what, no matter where or when, love is there.

A classic in the making, this is a warm, funny and poignant story about a teddy which has been loved into a state of dilapidation. Reminiscent of The Velveteen Rabbit, this is very much its own book and is pitch perfect in tone and message. A perfect marriage of words and pictures, this is a completely charming and enchanting book.

Stripy Ted is a very special bear, accompanying his young owner on all sorts of adventures. But these have taken their toll, and poor Ted is rather worn out and missing quite a few parts. This doesn’t matter at all, he is still just as loved as is clear in this utterly charming, tender and heart-warming picture book tale.

A story about the connections between loved ones. A mother tells her two children that they’re all connected by an invisible string. ‘What Kind of String?’ the children ask. The answer is the simple truth that binds us all: an Invisible String made of love. This book links to the whole school value of ‘love’ and can be used with children who might find separation from parents difficult, such as at dropping off time in the morning, for settling in new children in pre-school and reception or for children living through a prolonged period of separation from a family member.