10 Spanish-Language Books About Love and Friendship to Read With Your Bilingual Kids

Valentine's Day, also known as El Día del Amor y la Amistad in Spanish, is a day to show a little extra love to your friends and family, including your little ones! This year, instead of gifts and candy, give your a chiquito an even more valuable treat. Cuddle up together to read some of these books en español with themes of love and friendship so you can encourage your child's bilingualism while letting him or her know how very much they’re cared for.

Written in 1942 by Margaret Wise Brown, El Conejito Andarín (known in English as The Runaway Bunny) is a well-loved classic about a little bunny who threatens to run away from home. Mother bunny, con mucho amor and plenty of creativity, reassures her little bunny that no matter where he goes, she will follow because she loves him so much.

To buy: Amazon, $7

Another classic featuring conejitos—who can resist? Adivina Cuánto Te Quiero (Guess How Much I Love You in English) by Sam McBratney is the story of a mischievous young hare who tries over and over to outdo his father in showing just how much he loves him.

To buy: Amazon, $8

You remember Corduroy, don't you? Written and illustrated by Don Freeman, Corduroy tells the story of a department store teddy bear who is missing a button on his overalls. Despite his imperfections, a little girl named Lisa sees his charm and takes him home to be her new friend. It's the same book you loved as a child, but in Spanish!

To buy: Amazon, $7

This easy-to-read bilingual book is in both English and Spanish. Quiero a mi mamá porque… by Laurel Porter Gaylord features affectionate animal parents with their offspring. Whether it's a cute gatito who feels loved when mother cat listens to him, or a fawn who feels loved because mother deer keeps him clean, your child will be able to relate while learning animal names en dos idiomas.

To buy: Amazon, $6

Grande o pequeño, Clifford has always had a knack for getting into innocent trouble! This particular tale by Norman Bridwell, tells the story of Clifford's first Valentine's Day. Find out what happens when Clifford tries to help Emily Elizabeth make a valentine but ends up getting an unintended behind-the-scenes tour of the post office instead!

To buy: Amazon, $9

This book couldn't be more perfect for el Día del Amor y la Amistad! Written by various authors, this collection of 10 beautifully illustrated stories is all about love and friendship.

To buy: Amazon, $10

Sweet illustrations guide us through this bilingual rhyming story by Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak about a boy and his teddy bear. Te quiero, yo te quiero is engaging enough to keep their interest, but short enough for those that won't sit still for long.

To buy: Amazon, $8

Jaime has a friend named Claudia whom he'd like to marry when they're old enough, and he always tries to show her how much he loves her. One day Claudia asks him, "¿Qué estarías dispuesto a hacer por mí?" Jaime's idea? He'll give her the moon! Or the stars! Begona Ibarrola's sweet love story also teaches the lesson that love cannot be bought.

To buy: Amazon, $13

Written and illustrated by beloved children's author and poet, Shel Silverstein, El Árbol Generoso (better known in English as The Giving Tree) is a story of unconditional love, just like that of a parent to a child, but it's also a lesson in the importance of loving and caring for our other mother—Mother Earth.

To buy: Amazon, $13

Grab a box of tissues! Siempre Te Querré by Robert Munsch successfully depicts the love of a mother through each phase of her son's life. As her boy grows older, the mother too grows old, but no matter how big he gets she sneaks into his bedroom while he's sleeping to rock him back and forth, and let him know she'll love him forever. The ending has brought many mothers to tears, but it won't stop your kids from asking you to read it again and again.

To buy: Amazon, $7