How to Read to Your Children About Valentine's Day

There are lots of excellent children's books available on the theme of Valentine's Day ' the following hints should help you find a selection of good books to share with your young valentines, no matter what their age level or interests.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Books Of Poems
• Children's Books
• Internet Access
• Library Cards

1. Decide whether you want your children to read books that look at Valentine's Day from a romantic angle, or if you would rather have books that stress the fun, social aspects of the holiday.

2. Consider a book that talks about the history and development of Valentine's Day, if you have older children who may be interested in the background of the holiday.

3. Look for books that suit your child's comprehension and maturity level. Read a few pages from the middle of each book you are considering, to see if the material seems to be within your child's level of understanding.

4. Ask a children's librarian for suggestions. While the librarian may not have read all the Valentine's Day books on the shelves, he or she will be able to let you know what works well for a particular age group, and may have lots of helpful suggestions.

5. Use the online catalog or computer system at your local library, and do a keyword search for "Valentine's Day" ' while not all the books you find will be appropriate, some may be just what you're looking for.

6. Go to your favorite bookstore or online bookstore, and search for books about Valentine's Day ' do a computerized search or, better yet, ask the manager of the children's book department for assistance.

7. Talk to your children about Valentine's Day during and after reading them books on the theme; you may find that the books stimulate them to ask further questions about the holiday.

Tips & Warnings

• Lots of books for young readers contain material suitable for Valentine's Day reading, even if they aren't directly connected with the holiday. The romantic adventures of "Anne of Green Gables" may get pre-teens into the Valentine mood, while younger children may prefer fairy tales such as "Cinderella" or "Beauty and the Beast."
• Consider valentine-themed poetry for older children, too!
• Look for books by authors and illustrators you and your children are familiar with ' you may find that your favorite writer or artist has written a book suitable for this holiday.
• Valentine's Day is always the occasion for lots of discussion about the nature of love ' this may lead your children to ask some complex questions, so be prepared to answer them in age-appropriate detail!