Our favourite picture books about love
There's nothing quite like the bond between a carer and their child, and these picture books beautifully explore that unconditional love.
So whether you're cuddling with your child before bed or just want to relax with an adorable tale, we've chosen some books that are bound to make your storytime even more heartwarming than normal.
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The Hug
Author: Eoin McLaughlin
Publisher: Faber & FaberTortoise and Hedgehog are both feeling sad, and they both want a hug - but Tortoise's shell is putting the animals off, and Hedgehog is too prickly. Will they ever find a squeeze? A clever, touching flip book.
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I Love You, Stick Insect
Author: Chris Naylor-Ballesteros
Publisher: BloomsburyStick Insect has fallen in love with another stunning Stick Insect - the only problem is, it's actually a stick. Enjoy hilarious, expressive illustrations in this amusing story.
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Simon Sock
Author: Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet Illustrator: Nick East
Publisher: Hodder Children's BooksAll the socks in the draw have pairs except for Simon Sock - he's all alone. He's odd. But when there's a voice from under the chest of drawers, will he be about to meet his perfect match? A bright and sweet book about relationships.
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How To Say I Love You In Five Languages
Author: Kenard Pak
Publisher: Wide Eyed EditionsFive children from different countries show us who they love and how to say 'I love you' in their own languages. A stylish interactive board book that's fun for pre-schoolers and older children.
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I Love You Bunny
Author: Alina Surnaite
Publisher: Lincoln Children's BooksIt's bedtime for Suzy, but she's scared of monsters - and things get even more scary when Bunny disappears during the night! A warm story that will reassure little ones who are worried about monsters in the shadows.
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Words and Your Heart
Author: Kate Jane Neal
Publisher: Simon & SchusterA clear and simple book all about the power of words to affect how we feel that is perfect for young children just starting to navigate friendships for the first time.
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A Brave Bear
Author: Sean Taylor Illustrator: Emily Hughes
Publisher: Walker BooksA book for families, for dads and for illustration fans, this is in the same territory as the phenomenally successful Guess How Much I Love You, but with a subtler sentimentality that might appeal to a new generation of parents.
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Love is
Author: Diane Adams Illustrator: Claire Keane
Publisher: Chronicle BooksA little girl cares for a duckling just as a parent would care for a baby. But also, as the duckling grows, the little girl comes to understand that part of love is letting things go. A gentle and inspiring joy to read.
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When an Elephant Falls in Love
Author: Davide Cali and Alice Notti
Publisher: Chronicle BooksAdults will recognise all the symptoms of the first flush of love in this tongue-in-cheek picture book, and children will delight in the funny illustrations and the happy ending.
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I'll Love You Always
Author: Mark Sperring Illustrator: Alison Brown
Publisher: BloomsburyThis is a perfect bedtime book about the everlasting bond of love between a little mouse and her mummy or daddy.
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I Love You, Baby
Author: Claire Freedman Illustrator: Judi Abbot
Publisher: Simon & SchusterThis celebration of the love a parent has for their child is perfect for cuddles, as all sorts of baby animals learn that they will always be loved - no matter what.
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I Love You
Author: Clemency Pearce Illustrator: Rosalind Beardshaw
Publisher: Nosy CrowThis beautifully illustrated book about forest animals shares a very important lesson: that those three little words can make a huge difference to someone feeling blue.
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Love...
Author: Emma Dodd
Publisher: Nosy CrowPerfect for sharing at bedtime, this beautifully illustrated story about love follows a baby bunny and parent rabbit as they spend the day enjoying each other's company.
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Love You Hoo
Author: Rachel Bright
Publisher: OrchardBig Owl snuggles up for a bedtime cuddle with Little Hoo in this heartwarming story about the unconditional love and support between a carer and child.
