Try reading one of these books to your child

By Dara L. Cain

Rowan Public Library

There is no better way to show your children that you love them then by spending quality time with them.

With Valentine's Day approaching, one way to do that is to read some children's books with them that remind them of how very special they are. Here are some heartfelt titles that are available at Rowan Public Library.

In this lovely picture book, "Counting Kisses" by Karen Katz, discover how many kisses it takes to say goodnight to the charming baby before she finally falls asleep. Count down from 10 to one as each parent, grandparent, sibling and pet lulls baby to sleep with kisses on every sweet part of her body from "ten little kisses on teeny tiny toes" to a final kiss on a "sleepy, dreamy head." This memorable counting book portrays the love a family feels for their newborn child and is perfect for reading on Valentine's Day or any other day of the year.

Even though Little Roo, a young kangaroo, is having a bad day, he still knows that his mother loves him unconditionally in the picture book, "I Love It When You Smile," by Sam McBratney.

In this heartwarming story, Little Roo wakes up grumpy and his mother tries everything from tickling him to flipping him up head over heels into the air to try and get him to smile.

A surprise ending leaves Little Roo and his mother in a "muddy-at-the-bottom hole" and that's when "Little Roo couldn't do anything else. He just had to smile!"

The holiday book titled "It's Valentine's Day," by Jack Prelutsky, is sure to have your children laughing. The 14 poems included in this book are great for beginning readers who will surely be entertained.

A couple of the silly poems include "Mother's Chocolate Valentine," which is about a child who buys a box of chocolate hearts for his mother and gives her only the box because he ends up eating all the chocolate, and "My Father's Valentine," which is about a boy who gives his father a valentine heart no bigger than the size of a bean because he kept trying to cut out a perfect heart.

"The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane," by Kate DiCamillo, is a beautiful story about Edward Tulane, an arrogant and selfish china rabbit who goes on a journey of self discovery. Edward, who was once dearly loved and taken care of by a girl named Abilene, and who he never appreciated in return, is lost overboard during a sea voyage. Heartbroken and alone, Edward is rescued and discovers the true meaning of love as he finds himself living with different families, including a hobo and a sickly child. His journey teaches him the meaning of love and how to open your heart again after a loss.

If you want a simple introduction that explains the history and customs of Valentine's Day to share with your child read the book "Valentine's Day Is ..." written and illustrated by Gail Gibbons. Gibbons starts off discussing the holiday with the ancient Romans who "celebrated the beginning of spring with a festival" and goes on to talk about Saint Valentine; the Duke of Orleans, who was "the first person to make valentines"; Cupid, and the symbols and customs of the holiday. A homemade craft with instructions can also be found at the back of the book.

Teen program: Cosplay @ your Library. Come to the library dressed as your favorite Anime/Manga character and partake in Japanese-based activities. All programs 5:30-7 p.m.

Headquarters, Monday.

Displays: Headquarters — Pottery 101 by Cheryl Goins and Elizabeth Duncan Koontz by the Human Relations Council; South — water colors by Caroline Marshall. East — rubber stamp/cards by Glenda Trexler.

Literacy: Call the Rowan County Literacy Council at 704-216-8266 for more information on teaching or receiving literacy tutoring for English speakers or for those for whom English is a second language.