I LOVE reading! In the spirit of love, since Valentine's Day is just around the corner, consider these great holiday book recommendation from Susan Kunhardt, Children's Book Buyer at Book Passage for children ages 1-12 years old.

My Little Sweetheart by Sara Gillingham. $9.99, ages 1-4.

Who loves baby? This heart-shaped board book has die-cut pages, colorful artwork, and a finger puppet. The simple rhyming text describes a mother and baby playing, reading, and falling asleep together.

I Carry Your Heart With Me, e.e. cummings, illustrated by Mati McDonough. $16.95, ages 2-6.

A love poem is reimagined in vibrant collages, as a mother shows her baby the wonders of the world. From season to season, night into day, the mother gently demonstrates enjoyment and reverence for natural beauty.

In My Heart: A Book of Feelings, Jo Witek. $16.95, ages 2-5.

The full range of emotions is expressed in simple, direct language that toddlers can understand and articulate. When she’s feeling silly, a little girl’s heart is “like a bouncy bunny.” Feeling sad, “my heart feels as heavy as an elephant.” Nestling die-cut hearts on each page emphasize that all feelings belong there.

Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch, Eileen Spinelli. $7.99, ages 3 up.

An anonymous valentine changes the life of the unsociable Mr. Hatch, turning him into a laughing friend who helps and appreciates all his neighbors. Best Valentine’s Day book ever!

The Hug Machine, Scott Campbell. $16.99, ages 4-8.

This little guy just loves to give hugs. He will hug anyone or anything, any time, whether are square or long, spiky or soft. The endearing story encourages a warm, caring, and buoyantly affectionate approach to life.   

The Third Wheel: Diary of a Wimpy Kid #7, Jeff Kinney. $13.95, ages 8-12.

Love is in the air, and Greg needs a date for the Valentine’s Day dance, in the 7th entry into this wildly popular series.

The Candy Smash, Jacqueline Davies. $6.99, ages 9-12.

Poignant and funny, the fourth book in the best-selling Lemonade War series explores the distinctive power of poetry and love—fourth grade style.