V is for Valentine Storytime

This storytime was for a preschool-aged group at my library.

Today's storytime is brought to you by the letter 'V'. So, on the board when the kids walked in was:

Read Aloud Books

A Crankenstein ValentineWritten by Samantha Berger, illustrated by Dan Santat

Crankenstein doesn't want to have anything to do with Valentine's Day! No undies with hearts, no mushy-gushy garland, and certainly no smooches! This brand new book was a total hit with the kids. They were laughing the whole time (especially with the undies). And it's great fun to read aloud.

Be Mine, Be Mine, Sweet ValentineWritten by Sarah Weeks, illustrated by Fumi Kosaka

What would different animals give to each other as valentines? This book was great fun for the kids as the guessed what each animal would give. Plus, it was great exercise in rhyming and poetry (aka "verse." That starts with 'V'. Boo-yah).

Love, Ruby ValentineWritten by Laurie B. Friedman, illustrated by Lynne Woodcock Cravath

Ruby Valentine LOVES one particular holiday and prepares for DAYS getting things and gifts ready! But what happens when she sleeps right through Feb. 14th? This book was great because it rhymed and actually told a pretty enticing story—the kids paid attention to the whole thing!

Songs & Rhymes

Hello Song

Rhyme & Sign:

Roses are red

Violets are blue

Candy is sweet

And you are too!

Fingerplay: I Can Make A Heart

I put my hands together

This is how I start

I curve my fingers right around

And I can make a heart!

(credit: StorytimeKatie)

Song: You Are My Sunshine

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine

You make me happy when skies are grey

You’ll never know dear how much a love you

And I love you more every day

Action Rhyme: Valentine, Valentine

Valentine, Valentine run in place

Valentine, Valentine touch your face

Valentine, Valentine turn around

Valentine, Valentine touch the ground

Valentine, Valentine touch your nose

Valentine, Valentine touch your toes

Valentine, Valentine jump and hop

Valentine, Valentine time to stop!

Valentine, Valentine pat your knees

Valentine, Valentine sit down please

Goodbye Song

Games & Activities

Flannel: Six Little Valentines

The flap of my envelopes didn't stay folder under very well, so I just left them up. But you get the idea right? Each one had a picture of an animal inside and this is the rhyme:

Six little Valentines were sent to my house,

The first one said, “I love you, From Mouse.”

Five little Valentines in my mailbox,

The second one said, “Be mine, Love Fox.”

Four little Valentines full of love,

The third one said, “You are sweet, From Dove.”

Three little Valentines just for me,

The fourth one said, “Be my honey, Love Bee.”

Two little Valentine’s mailed with care,

The fifth one said, “Here’s a hug, From Bear.”

The last little Valentine, from my friend Jay,

This one said, “Happy Valentine’s Day!”

(credit: StorytimeKatie)

Craft: V is for Vase

I simply printed off a giant letter 'V' and the kids went to town! They really seem to enjoy gluing tissue paper. Lost of tissue paper.

Other Book Ideas

The Yuckiest, Stinkiest, Best Valentine EverWritten by Brenda Ferber, illustrated by Tedd Arnold

Happy Valentine's Day, Mouse!Written by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond

How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?Written by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Mark Teague

Ruby Valentine Saves the DayWritten by Laurie B. Friedman, illustrated by Lynne Woodcock Cravath