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February Indies Booklist: Children's Books About Different Types of Love

Pink promotional graphic titled “February Indies Booklist – Different Types of Love” featuring six children’s book covers arranged in the center, surrounded by hand-drawn red hearts and publisher logos along the bottom.

Despite the constant rain and wintery gloom, here at Lantana we decided to see the month of February through the colours of love. Love comes in all shapes and forms and the smallest hints of it can lead to great things. For the first booklist of our indies collaborative project for the National Year of Reading, we asked our fellow Indie publishers to share the stories they have published about love. Together, we have come up with a beautiful list of children’s books showing how love blossoms in different ways, from throwing a henna party with family to reading to shelter puppies with friends. 


This month we are joined by Wacky Bee, Scallywag Press, Red Robin Books, Book Island, and Old Barn Books. All the recommended titles are available for purchase here!




1. The Great Henna Party


Colorful illustrated cover of a girl dancing in a blue dress at a henna celebration, surrounded by women, musicians, decorative patterns, and warm red and orange tones.

Written by: Humera Malik

Illustrated by: Sonali Zohra

Published by: Lantana Publishing

Reading age: 2-5










Because her cousin is getting married tomorrow, Noor’s family is throwing a henna party to celebrate. Noor is especially excited about the henna tradition consisting of asking the artist to hide the name of the person she loves most on her arm. But who does she love most in her family? And what will happen if she can’t choose only one person?



2. Grandpa Kuma


Illustrated cover of a smiling child in a red shirt riding on the back of a large white bear wearing a red scarf, set against a bright yellow background.

Written by: Michelle Maiden

Illustrated by: Michelle Maiden

Published by: Wacky Bee

Reading age: 3+












Miko is very excited to see her grandpa who has travelled all the way from Japan. They are both looking forward to spending time and having fun together. Only, there is one problem: they don’t speak the same language. Will they be able to understand each other and enjoy their time together despite it?



3. The Happy Lion Roars


Illustrated cover of two lions on an orange background—one lion roaring with mouth wide open, the other looking sideways—title text in bold white letters.

Written by: Louise Fatio

Illustrated by: Roger Duvoisin

Published by: Scallywag Press

Reading age: 4+













When the Happy Lion meets a circus lioness for the first time, it is love at first time. Only she is not allowed to leave the circus. Will they find a way to stay together and let love prevail?



4. Winnie Wagtail


Bright, playful illustration of a yellow-and-white dog with one brown ear, tongue out and smiling, on a green and yellow background with the title in large red letters.

Written by: Neil Griffiths

Illustrated by: Eileen Browne

Published by: Red Robin Books










Winnie is frustrated because her tail won’t wag even though she gave it her best effort. Her mother tells her to stop trying. But maybe looking at the other animals doing it will help her more than her mother’s advice?



5. Good Morning, Neighbour


Overhead illustration of a red checkered tablecloth with plates of food in the center and animal arms reaching in from all sides; title written in white script across the top.

Written by: Davide Cali

Illustrated by: Maria Dek

Published by: Book Island

















A mouse wants to make an omelette but does not have an egg. While going to his neighbour to ask for one, the mouse finds himself on a new quest: making a cake with ingredients borrowed from all the neighbourhood. What will he learn about the values of sharing with and helping others?



6. Madeline Finn and the Rescue Dog


Book cover showing a young girl leaning toward a black-and-white rescue dog inside a kennel, while a large white dog with an orange bandana sits beside her; soft lavender background.

Written by: Lisa Papp

Illustrated by: Lisa Papp

Published by: Old Barn Books

Reading age: 4-7












Madeline just got a new puppy and she’s very busy taking care of him to show him he is loved. But when she visits an animal shelter, she wants to show all of these dogs that they are loved too. With the help of a few friends, will she manage to make all of these shelter puppies feel cared for? Who knows, maybe reading to them might help?




Be it loud or quiet, big or small, we are sure you will find the kind of love that you are looking for. We hope you will fall in love with these stories as much as we did.


Next month, our booklist will spotlight empowering stories of women and girls in celebration of Women’s History Month. Stay tuned!


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