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I've compiled a list of 10 fun Valentine's Day books for boys who are not into that icky love stuff! My boys like these books...and I'm hoping yours will too!
A Crankenstein Valentine
by Samantha Berger
illustrated by Dan Santat
published by Little Brown Books for Young Readers
CRANKENSTEIN! He's BAAAAACK! See what happens to an ordinary kid on the most lovey-dovey, yuckiest day of the year-Valentine's Day! Cheesy cards, allergy-inducing bouquets, and heart-shaped everything? It's enough to turn anyone into a monster! YECHHHH! But Crankenstein might just find a way to turn his sour day sweet... because even the crankiest monsters have hearts!
by Lisa McCourt
illustrated by Cyd Moore
published by Cartwheel
- A vividly illustrated bedtime story that shows how the unconditional love of a mother can be tested through the relentless questions of her little boy. "But Mama, but Mama, what if I were a super smelly skunk, and I smelled so bad that my name was Stinky Face?" Mothers love their children and this unconditional love is truly tested in I LOVE YOU, STINKY FACE. Lisa McCourt and Cyd Moore beautifully weave a reassuring tale of the love and affection of a parent. The imaginative son turns himself into a meat-eating dinosaur, a swamp creature and much, much more before being satisfied with the fact that no matter how stinky he is or how slimy of a creature he could possibly be, he is loved and nothing will change that.
Zombie in Love
by Kelly DiPucchio
illustrated by Scott Campbell
published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Mortimer is looking for love. And he’s looking everywhere! He’s worked out at the gym (if only his arm wouldn’t keep falling off). He’s tried ballroom dancing lessons (but the ladies found him to be a bit stiff). He’s even been on stalemate.com. How’s a guy supposed to find a ghoul? When it seems all hope has died, could the girl of Mortimer’s dreams be just one horrifying shriek away?
The Yuckiest, Stinkiest, Best Valentine Ever
by Brenda A. Ferber
illustrated by Tedd Arnold
published by Dial
Even boys will fall in love with this valentine!
Leon has a crush. A let-her-cut-in-line-at-the-water-fountain kind of crush. And he's got the perfect valentine. But this valentine has no intention of getting caught up in any romantic conspiracy. "Love is yucky, kid! Valentine's Day is all about CANDY!" the card yells at Leon, before leaping out the window and running away, leaving Leon to chase it across town, collecting interested kids along the way.
Here is a hilarious take on the holiday that boys love to hate, the most complex holiday of them all. Saying "I love you" has never been so yucky or so sweet.
The Hug Machine
by Scott Campbell
published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Who have YOU hugged today? Open your arms to this delightfully tender, goofy, and sweet tale.
Watch out world, here he comes! The Hug Machine!
Whether you are big, or small, or square, or long, or spikey, or soft, no one can resist his unbelievable hugs! HUG ACCOMPLISHED!
This endearing story encourages a warm, caring, and buoyantly affectionate approach to life. Everyone deserves a hug—and this book!
How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?
by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague
published by The Blue Sky Press
With more than 7 million copies sold, everybody's favorite bestselling dinosaurs are back to say: "I love you," in a VERY big way!
Parents and children can never have enough ways to say "I love you"--and now, America's favorite dinosaurs are giving families a funny book, perfect for bedtime, storytime, anytime. Even when little dinosaurs are naughty, it's important to remind them that no matter what they do, they are always loved. In this book, readers will laugh aloud as parents cope with the typical antics of childhood, but in the end, hugs and kisses show your little one how much you care.
Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink
by Diane deGroat
published by Harper Collins
When Gilbert writes two not-so-nice valentines to his classmates, his prank quickly turns into pandemonium. But there's always time for a change of heart on Valentine's Day.
Pete the Cat Valentine's Day is Cool
by Kimberly and James Dean
published by Harper Festival
Join Pete in New York Times bestselling author James Dean's Pete the Cat picture book series, as Pete has a Valentine's Day adventure—complete with poster, punch-out valentine cards, and stickers!
Pete the Cat thinks Valentine's Day isn't cool . . . until he realizes how many special cats there are in his life! Pete works hard to make valentines for everyone, and it turns out to be the grooviest Valentine's Day ever. But what happens when he realizes he's forgotten to make a card for a very important cat? Join Pete the Cat as he discovers just how special Valentine's Day can be!
Love, Splat
by Rob Scotton
published by Harper Collins
From bestselling author Rob Scotton
It’s Valentine’s Day and Splat has a special valentine for a certain someone in his class. Her name is Kitten, and Splat likes her even more than fish sticks and ice cream. But Kitten doesn’t seem to like him at all. And then there’s Splat’s rival, Spike, who also likes Kitten. Will Splat’s heartfelt valentine win Kitten’s paw in the end?
Dinosaur Kisses
by David Ezra Stein
published by Candlewick
WHOMP! An energetic young dinosaur figures out her own way to give a kiss in the latest from the creator of the Caldecott Honor–winning Interrupting Chicken.
For newly hatched dinosaur Dinah, the world is an exciting place. There is so much to see and do. She tries this — STOMP! And she tries that — CHOMP! Then she sees a kiss and knows just what she wants to try next. Who can she kiss? And after a few disastrous attempts, can she figure out how to give someone a kiss without whomping, chomping, or stomping them first? Young children will chuckle and cheer when Dinah finds just the right creature for her dinosaur kisses in this funny new picture book from David Ezra Stein.Labels: picture book, Top 10, Valentines Day
