February may be a short month, but there is still plenty to celebrate.
One way families can do that is through books.
Karen Notte, the early literacy coordinator at the Fairmount Community Library, shares her picks for some of this month’s holidays.
For Chinese New Year (Feb. 1)
Chinese New Year by Katie Marsico
Children can learn about the history and traditions of Chinese New Year in this non-fiction book.
Maisy’s Chinese New Year by Lucy Cousins
Maisy and her friends celebrate Chinese New Year with fireworks, a dragon dance, and more.
For Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14)
A Valentine for Uni the Unicorn by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Uni the unicorn is back – and is searching for a valentine.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day by Amy Hayes
Learn how Valentine’s Day is observed. Amy Hayes has written several other books about holidays, including Earth Day, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving.
Click, Clack Moo I Love You by Doreen Cronin
Join Little Duck (and her friends) as an unexpected guest arrives at their Valentine’s Day party.
How to Help A Cupid by Sue Fliess
Even Cupid needs a little help sometimes. In the newest book in Sue Fliess’ Magical Creatures and Crafts series, children must help put his arrows back together before Valentine’s Day.
Little Blue Truck’s Valentine by Alice Schertle
Little Blue Truck takes Valentines to his friends around the farm – but will he receive some?
Love You By Heart by Peter H. Reynolds
This book by New York Times bestseller Peter H. Reynolds features poems about unconditional love.
One Good Night ‘til Valentine’s Day by Frank J. Berrios III
The night before Valentine’s Day, a child anticipates spending the holiday with their family.
Smooch by Karen Kilpatrick
Released in 2022, Smooch reminds us that love is forever.
For President’s Day (Feb. 21)
Basher History: US Presidents: Oval Office All-Stars by Dan Green
Through first-person accounts, children can discover fun facts about previous U.S. presidents (Teddy Roosevelt, for example, knew how to walk on stilts).
Future President (Future Baby) by Lori Alexander
Future President explores some of things that babies and presidents have in common. There are several other books in the Future Baby series: Future Engineer, Future Astronaut, and Future Doctor.
Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio
When her teacher shares a poster of the U.S. presidents (with no women pictured), Grace sets out to become the first. She joins the mock election at her school, but quickly finds out that winning may be more difficult than she thought.
So You Want to Be President? by Judith St. George
Learn about the public (and personal) lives of the United States’ first 42 presidents.
