Posts Tagged ‘Valentine’s Day’

A Celebration of Love and Families

Posted on February 18th, 2020 by Carolyn Hart


Storytime Standouts shares Love Makes a Family

Love Makes a Family written and illustrated by Sophie Beer

Board Book about Family Diversity published by Dial Books for Young Readers

“It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” Maya Angelou

There are so many wonderful ways that families express their unconditional love. In Love Makes a Family, we see adults helping, cheering, consoling, entertaining, snuggling, playing, protecting, cherishing and more.

Ms. Beer shows us happy, loving and racially diverse families of all kinds. She chooses bold colors for the illustrations that will captivate young children. Whether searching for a child’s missing shoe or enjoying a fun tea party in a treehouse, the family activities and expressions of affection that she has illustrated are delightful. The author’s enthusiasm for imaginative play, being out of doors and bedtime stories is contagious and inspirational. From morning ’til night, family members are depicted expressing a beautiful rainbow of love for each other.

We reviewed a large, sturdy board book copy of Love Makes a Family that is well-suited to a group setting. Tracking the bold text and watching for the word, “LOVE” would be a great way to extend learning with preschoolers. A great choice for Valentine’s Day and/or a Circle Time about families, the book is also available for Kindle.

Love Makes a Family at Amazon.com

Love Makes a Family at Amazon.ca

Storytime Standouts recommends Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer

More by Sophie Beer

Lilly’s Chocolate Heart – A Sweet Treat for Valentine’s Day

Posted on January 13th, 2013 by Carolyn Hart


Storytime Standouts looks at Lilly’s Chocolate Heart, a sweet story about Lilly (of Purple Plastic Purse fame) and her one remaining foil-wrapped Valentine’s Day chocolate heart.

Lilly's Chocolate Heart - A Sweet Treat for Preschool Valentine's DayLilly’s Chocolate Heart written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes

Lilly is a beloved picturebook character. Best known for Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse , she also appears in Lilly’s Big Day, Chester’s Day, Wemberly Worried and Julius The Baby of the World.

Before going to bed on Valentine’s Day, Lilly must decide what to do with her one remaining foil-wrapped Valentine’s Day chocolate.

image of foil wrapped chocolate hearts“Lilly wanted to find the perfect place to keep the heart. She looked under her bed, but it was too dusty. She looked inside her dresser, but it was too messy.

Those who know Lilly, will agree that she is exhuberant and sometimes just a little bit impulsive so finding the perfect place for the precious chocolate is quite a challenge.

Lilly’s Chocolate Heart will be a delicious treat for Lilly fans who will no doubt notice her purple plastic purse hanging from a dresser drawer handle and a painting of the purse that hangs on a wall.

Lilly’s Chocolate Heart at Amazon.com

Lilly’s Chocolate Heart at Amazon.ca

You will also be interested in our Valentine’s Day printables. Storytime Standouts is on Pinterest – Check out our Valentine’s Day Board



A Picture Book About Friendship: You by Stephen Michael King

Posted on March 7th, 2011 by Carolyn Hart

You by Stephen Michael King is a picture book about friendshipYou written and illustrated by Stephen Michael King
Picture book about friendship published by Greenwillow Books

Light and breezy, You: A Story of Love and Friendship has got it right. The world is more colourful, more musical and more exciting when shared with a true friend.

In this picture book about friendship, Happy and engaging illustrations invite us to watch as a friends work together to transform a drab birdhouse into a bright and inviting home. When the work is done, they joyfully play music together and manage to endure the highs and lows that life brings.

The world is an exciting place, with ups, downs, around and arounds, and far-far-aways. But the most exciting place in my world is with… you.

Well-suited to very young children, You is a picture book about friendship and love. It would be a great story to share before a parent or friend leaves on a trip.

Be sure to visit the author’s website (link above) and read about Stephen Michael King’s experience as a hearing impaired child and his path to becoming an author-illustrator.

You: A Story of Love and Friendship at Amazon.com

You: A Story of Love and Friendship at Amazon.ca



You may also be interested in our Valentine’s Day printables. Storytime Standouts is on Pinterest – Check out our Valentine’s Day Board

Zero Kisses for Me by Manuela Monari- Not Even a Tiny Bit Bleah

Posted on March 6th, 2011 by Carolyn Hart

Storytime Standouts thinks Zero Kisses for Me is GreatZero Kisses for Me written by Manuela Monari and illustrated by Virginie Soumagnac
Picture book published by Tundra Books

I have the good fortune to share read alouds with children regularly in my classes. I always look for engaging stories that will hook my students. Sometimes I am lucky enough to find a book that doesn’t just hook the kids – some books have children talking about the story a week later and begging for a reread. Zero Kisses for Me is one of those delightful books that children love to see, listen to and cheer about.

Life is tough when you’re always being kissed.” When you’re kissed before you go out in the rain and when you’re kissed and called, “Honeybunch” or “Flower Bud.” By the end of the day, you can be “tired of being everybody’s tootsy-wootsy… huggy-bear… kissy-snooks.” You might even demand, “No more mush!” And, you might exclaim, “BLEAH” – the perfect word to make a story memorable and a great word for young children to hear and relish.

Fun illustrations add to the atmosphere in Zero Kisses for Me and convey the little bear’s determination and frustration beautifully. A great read aloud for boys and girls, aged four to six, especially those who enjoy many, many kisses each and every day. Although not a Valentine’s Day book, this would be a terrific choice to reach for on February 14th.

Zero Kisses for Me at Amazon.com

Zero Kisses for Me at Amazon.ca

You will also be interested in our Valentine’s Day printables. Storytime Standouts is on Pinterest – Check out our Valentine’s Day Board


Our Free Valentine’s Day Printables for Kids and The Day It Rained Hearts

Posted on February 6th, 2011 by Carolyn Hart

We think this picture book is a perfect treat for Valentine’s Day, enjoy it with our free Valentine’s Day printables for kids ~

Storytime Standouts Free Valentine's Day printables and writes about The Day it Rained HeartsThe Day it Rained Hearts written and illustrated by Felicia Bond

You are no doubt familiar with Felicia Bond’s lively illustrations in If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. Here she tells the story of Cornelia Augusta, a girl who is caught in a rather unusual rainstorm.

On The Day It Rained Hearts Cornelia collected hearts of all different shapes and sizes and then set to work making Valentines for her special friends. Before setting to work, she thinks carefully about each individual and she creates cards and gifts that suit each perfectly.

She found seven that were more or less alike and strung them together with a needle and thread.”I know just the right person for this one,” she thought.

The Day it Rained Hearts encourages thoughtfulness and creativity. A lovely choice for your young Valentine or for sharing at a February storytime.

Extension activities could include a search for hidden hearts, comparing and categorizing hearts and creating Valentine’s Day cards and gifts. Be sure to check out all of our free Valentine’s Day printables (below).

32 pages, Ages 3 to 5

The Day It Rained Hearts at Amazon.com

The Day It Rained Hearts at Amazon.ca

Storytime Standouts offers a free, printable  Valentine's Day picture dictionary

StorytimeStandouts’ free Valentine’s Day printables for Kids

Our free Valentine’s Day printables for kids are in PDF format, if you don’t already use Adobe Reader, you will need to use it to access the downloads.



You will find our selection of free printable alphabets here and all of our early learning printables here.





Valentine’s Day Picture Dictionary and Writing Paper for Kids

image of PDF icon  Valentine's Day Picture Dictionary

Free printable Valentine's Day picture dictionary for readers and writers in kindergarten and grade one.

image of PDF icon  Writing paper for kids - Happy Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day theme interlined paper for beginning writers.

image of PDF icon  Writing paper for kids - Valentine's Day Swirling Hearts

Valentine's Day theme interlined paper for beginning writers.

Valentine’s Day Circle Time for Preschool

image of PDF icon  Counting Valentines

Free printable fingerplay for a Valentine's Day circle time or storytime.

image of PDF icon  Five Little Valentines

Use as a chant or felt board story








image of PDF icon  Valentine's Day Sequencing Activity

Cut this Valentine's Day Sequencing Activity apart and have children put it together in the correct order or print two and use as a matching game.

image of PDF icon  Valentine's Day Crossword Puzzle

Free printable Valentine's Day crossword puzzle for children.


Love is You and Me – Monica Sheehan’s Picture Book Celebration of Love

Posted on January 18th, 2011 by Carolyn Hart

Storytime Standouts looks at picture book Love is You & MeLove is You & Me written and illustrated by Monica Sheehan
Picture book published by Simon and Schuster



Just in time for February 14th, Monica Sheehan’s celebration of love arrives on bookshelves.

Intended for very young children, my copy of Love is You and Me is in a boardbook format. Fun, breezy illustrations introduce a handsome mouse and his dashing canine friend. They adore spending time together; driving in a convertable, sharing a milkshake, holding hands. riding a roller coaster. Whether doing something exciting or nothing at all, true friends know,

Whever we go love will always be…because…love is you and me.

A perfect book to share for Valentine’s Day, Love is You & Me (Monica Sheehan’s warmhearted follow-up to be happy!) delivers a reassuring message that will be enjoyed equally by young children and all those who care deeply for them.

Love is You & Me. at Amazon.com

Love is You & Me. at Amazon.ca

You will also be interested in our Valentine’s Day printables. Storytime Standouts is on Pinterest – Check out our Valentine’s Day Board




Monica Sheehan’s be happy!

Valentine’s Day Printables for Preschool, Homeschool and Kindergarten

Posted on January 17th, 2011 by Carolyn Hart

Free Valentine’s Day printables for children, their teachers and parents. Today we’ll highlight the printables alongside some great picture books for Valentine’s Day

Valentine's Day picture books and free printables for homeschool, preschool, kindergarten from Storytime Standouts

Young children, parents and teachers are sure to enjoy these free Valentine’s Day theme printables.

* Two kinds of free printable Valentine’s Day writing paper for kids
* A Valentine’s Day picture dictionary for children who are beginning to read and write
* Five Little Valentines – a rhyme that could be perfect for your Valentine’s Day preschool circle time , adapt it as a felt board story
* Counting Valentines – a Valentine’s Day song, sung to a familiar tune, also great for Valentine’s Day circle time
* Making a Valentine – a Valentine’s Day sequencing activity. This could also be used as a matching game.
* Make New Friends – a song sheet

Five Fun Picture Books for Valentine’s Day

Storytime Standouts reviews Valentine's theme picture book The Day it Rained HeartsThe Day it Rained Hearts written and illustrated by Felicia Bond
Valentine’s Day picture book published by Harper Collins

You are no doubt familiar with Felicia Bond’s lively illustrations in If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. Here she tells the story of Cornelia Augusta, a girl who is caught in a rather unusual rainstorm.

On The Day It Rained Hearts Cornelia collected hearts of all different shapes and sizes and then set to work making Valentines for her special friends. Before setting to work, she thinks carefully about each individual and she creates cards and gifts that suit each perfectly.

She found seven that were more or less alike and strung them together with a needle and thread.”I know just the right person for this one,” she thought.

The Day it Rained Hearts encourages thoughtfulness and creativity. A lovely choice for your young Valentine or for sharing at a February storytime.

Extension activities could include a search for hidden hearts, comparing and categorizing hearts and creating Valentine’s Day cards and gifts.

32 pages, Ages 3 to 5

The Day It Rained Hearts at Amazon.com

The Day It Rained Hearts at Amazon.ca


Storytime Standouts writes about Lilly's Chocolate Heart by Kevin HenkesLilly’s Chocolate Heart written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes
Valentine’s Day picture book published by Harper Collins

Lilly is a beloved picturebook character. Best known for Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse , she also appears in Lilly’s Big Day, Chester’s Day, Wemberly Worried and Julius The Baby of the World.

Before going to bed on Valentine’s Day, Lilly must decide what to do with her one remaining foil-wrapped Valentine’s Day chocolate.

“Lilly wanted to find the perfect place to keep the heart. She looked under her bed, but it was too dusty. She looked inside her dresser, but it was too messy.

Those who know Lilly, will agree that she is exhuberant and sometimes just a little bit impulsive so finding the perfect place for the precious chocolate is quite a challenge.

Lilly’s Chocolate Heart will be a delicious treat for Lilly fans who will no doubt notice her purple plastic purse hanging from a dresser drawer handle and a painting of the purse that hangs on a wall.

Lilly’s Chocolate Heart at Amazon.com

Lilly’s Chocolate Heart at Amazon.ca


Storytime Standouts writes about Love is You and Me. by Monica SheehanLove is You & Me. written and illustrated by Monica Sheehan
Picture book about love published by Simon and Schuster

Just in time for February 14th, Monica Sheehan’s celebration of love arrives on bookshelves. Intended for very young children, my copy is in a boardbook format. Fun, breezy illustrations introduce a handsome mouse and his dashing canine friend. They adore spending time together; driving in a convertable, sharing a milkshake, holding hands. riding a roller coaster. Whether doing something exciting or nothing at all, true friends know, “Whever we go love will always be…because…love is you and me.

A perfect book to share for Valentine’s Day, Love is You & Me. (Monica Sheehan’s warmhearted follow-up to be happy!) delivers a reassuring message that will be enjoyed equally by young children and all those who care deeply for them.

Love is You & Me. at Amazon.com

Love is You & Me. at Amazon.ca


Storytime Standouts shares free Valentine's Day printables and writes about You by Stephen Michael KingYou written and illustrated by Stephen Michael King
Picture book about friendship published by Greenwillow Books

Light and breezy, You: A Story of Love and Friendship has got it right. The world is more colourful, more musical and more exciting when shared with a true friend.

In this picture book about friendship, happy and engaging illustrations invite us to watch as a friends work together to transform a drab birdhouse into a bright and inviting home. When the work is done, they joyfully play music together and manage to endure the highs and lows that life brings.

The world is an exciting place, with ups, downs, around and arounds, and far-far-aways. But the most exciting place in my world is with… you.

Well-suited to very young children, You is a picture book about friendship and love. It would be a a great story to share before a parent or friend leaves on a trip.

Be sure to visit the author’s website (link above) and read about Stephen Michael King’s experience as a hearing impaired child and his path to becoming an author-illustrator.

You: A Story of Love and Friendship at Amazon.com

You: A Story of Love and Friendship at Amazon.ca


Storytime Standouts writes about Valentine's Day including Zero Kisses for MeZero Kisses for Me written by Manuela Monari and illustrated by Virginie Soumagnac
Picture book about affection and independence published by Tundra Books

I have the good fortune to share read alouds with children regularly in my classes. I always look for engaging stories that will hook my students. Sometimes I am lucky enough to find a book that doesn’t just hook the kids – some books have children talking about the story a week later and begging for a reread. Zero Kisses for Me is one of those delightful books that children love to see, listen to and cheer about.

Life is tough when you’re always being kissed.” When you’re kissed before you go out in the rain and when you’re kissed and called, “Honeybunch” or “Flower Bud.” By the end of the day, you can be “tired of being everybody’s tootsy-wootsy… huggy-bear… kissy-snooks.” You might even demand, “No more mush!” And, you might exclaim, “BLEAH” – the perfect word to make a story memorable and a great word for young children to hear and relish.

Fun illustrations add to the atmosphere in Zero Kisses for Me and convey the little bear’s determination and frustration beautifully. A great read aloud for boys and girls, aged four to six, especially those who enjoy many, many kisses each and every day. Although not a Valentine’s Day book, this would be a terrific choice to reach for on February 14th.

Zero Kisses for Me at Amazon.com

Zero Kisses for Me at Amazon.ca


Storytime Standouts Has Free Valentine's Day Printables for Kindergarten, Homeschool and Preschool

Storytime Standouts Has Free Valentines Day Printables for Preschool, Kindergarten and Homeschool

Our early learning printables, including our Valentine’s Day theme printables for preschool, homeschool and kindergarten are in PDF format, if you don’t already use Adobe Reader, you will need to use it to access the downloads.

Valentine’s Day Circle Time Rhymes and Chants for Preschool or Kindergarten ~

Free Valentine's Day chant for preschool, Counting Valentines

image of PDF icon  Counting Valentines

Free printable fingerplay for a Valentine's Day circle time or storytime.

Free printable Five Little Valentines chant for preschool

image of PDF icon  Five Little Valentines

Use as a chant or felt board story

image of PDF icon  Make New Friends

Make New Friends is a traditional song that can be sung as a round

Free Valentine’s Day Printables for Young Readers and Writers ~

Free Valentine's Day picture dictionary for children and ESL

image of PDF icon  Valentine's Day Picture Dictionary

Free printable Valentine's Day picture dictionary for readers and writers in kindergarten and grade one.



Free printable Valentine's Day Writing Paper for kids

image of PDF icon  Writing paper for kids - Happy Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day theme interlined paper for beginning writers.

image of PDF icon  Writing paper for kids - Valentine's Day Swirling Hearts

Valentine's Day theme interlined paper for beginning writers.

Free printable Making a Valentine Sequencing Activity for Preschool and Kindergarten

Free Printable Valentine’s Day Sequencing Activity

image of PDF icon  Valentine's Day Sequencing Activity

Cut this Valentine's Day Sequencing Activity apart and have children put it together in the correct order or print two and use as a matching game.

Free Valentine’s Day Printables for Older Children ~

image of PDF icon  Valentine's Day Crossword Puzzle

Free printable Valentine's Day crossword puzzle for children.

Storytime Standouts offered printables for Valentine's Day

Storytime Standouts is on Pinterest

Follow Storytime Standouts’s board Valentine’s Day for Kids on Pinterest.

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