Valentine's Day is almost here...

Valentine's Day is just around the corner -- place holds now if you'd like to have a few books to read on the 14th! Holiday picture books are particularly popular and holds are the best way to get your favorites. Here are a couple of my favorite newer picture books for the day of love:

Love, Splat by Rob Scotton

It's Valentine's Day and Splat has a special valentine for a certain someone in his class. Her name is Kitten, and Splat likes her even more than fish sticks and ice cream. But Kitten doesn't seem to like him at all—she always ties his tail and pokes his belly when she sees him. And then there's Splat's rival, Spike, who also likes Kitten. Will Splat's heartfelt valentine win Kitten's paw in the end?

Valentine Surprise by Corinne Demas

It’s only a week until Valentine’s Day, and Lily wants to make the perfect heart-shaped valentine for Mommy. But every time she cuts out a heart, it’s either too pointy, too round, or too skinny. As the days go by, Lily tries again and again, and when Valentine’s Day finally arrives, she has a heart for each day of the week! Which one will be the perfect valentine surprise for Mommy?

Be Mine, Be Mine, Sweet Valentine by Sarah Weeks

Horse, Cat, Otter, Anteater -- no matter what kind of animal you may be, your Sweet Valentine has the perfect gift for you.

And a not-so-new one:

The Day it Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond

One day it rains hearts, and Cornelia Augusta catches them. Each heart is special in its own way, and Cornelia Augusta knows exactly who to send them to.

-- Ms. Lynn