If you asked me to make a list of children’s book topics that have the potential to go horribly wrong, love would be right at the top. It’s such a universal concept that it often falls prey to didacticism, banality, hyperbole and sentimentality — a.k.a. the Four Horsemen of the kids’ book apocalypse. Given the potential pitfalls, it’s refreshing to find books about love that take a different approach. Here are some of my favorites.

By Carter Higgins; illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins

When it comes to expressing love, many fall prey to the lure of the Impersonal Grand Gesture. But really, it’s the small stuff that matters. When Kevin receives a valentine from a classmate, he spends the rest of the day paying back the favor with untraditional gifts like a vending machine ring, a construction paper portrait and even a frog. Childlike mixed media artwork adds to the handmade feel. (Ages 5-8)

Written and illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera

“Me & Mama” captures the cherished feeling of being with a loved one by focusing on one ordinary day, full of incident, as a girl and her mother brush their teeth and hair, eat bowls of oatmeal and head outside to splash in puddles. The intimate, poetic text makes each moment feel authentic, and the painterly artwork balances poignancy and playfulness. (Ages 4-8)

Written and illustrated by Scott Campbell

In this rollicking read-aloud, a boy is on a hugging mission, hilariously embracing not just people but a balloon, a fire hydrant and a porcupine — and that’s just for starters. But humans (thankfully) aren’t machines, and when the exhausted boy finally shows his humanity, his mom is there to give the hug machine a welcome taste of his own medicine. (Ages 2-4)

Written and illustrated by Shawn Harris

It’s telling that the title of this deceptively simple book by Harris, a Caldecott Medal honoree, doesn’t try to cram in the word “pretend.” The father and son in this book aren’t pretending: They are embodying. During imaginative play, the pair fully transform — becoming bees, yes, but also trees, weather and a whole host of animals. Sometimes love is best expressed in shared silliness. Bright crayon illustrations add softness and humor. (Ages 4-8)

Written and illustrated by Kenneth Kraegel

“First comes love; then comes marriage,” begins the classic schoolyard rhyme. But while there are lots of children’s books that focus on the first part, far fewer center the second. Jameson is thrilled to be the ring bearer for his cousin’s wedding. But he only ever wears green pants, and the wedding party is supposed to be in black. Will he abandon his trusty trousers for a traditional tuxedo? As ever, love wins (and the green pants make a triumphant return on the reception dance floor). (Ages 3-7)

Written and illustrated by Frank Modell

Marvin loves Valentine’s Day. His best friend Milton does not. After Marvin explains that you have to give valentines if you want to receive them, the pair join forces to deliver handcrafted, heart-adorned notes to everyone in town. This charming book is sadly out of print, but you can find it at used bookstores or your local library. (Ages 3-8)

By Andrea L. Rogers; illustrated by Rebecca Lee Kunz

Few relationships ride the line between love and frustration quite like the one between siblings. In this year’s Caldecott Medal winner, 2-year-old Chooch’s family teaches him some of their Cherokee traditions, like sewing moccasins and making grape dumplings. But the toddler makes a mess of each one. His older sister’s frustration builds and, when Chooch ruins her clay pot, she’s had enough: Her scream sends her brother running to his room, and her into a fit of tearful remorse. After an act of reconciliation, the pair start working on a new pot, together. (Ages 4-8)

By Deborah Underwood; illustrated by Claudia Rueda

The world may be divided into “cat people” and “dog people,” but one thing I think both sides can agree on is that, if they could talk, cats would be vehemently anti-Valentine’s Day and dogs would probably love it. This dichotomy leads to laughs as the narrator tries to help Cat see that the dog next door might not be so bad after all. (Ages 3-5)

By Mac Barnett; illustrated by Carson Ellis

When a boy asks his grandma the titular question, she sends him out into the world to find the answer. He quickly discovers that love means something different to everyone he encounters. Confusion and frustration lead to understanding in Barnett’s funny and philosophical book, with beautiful gouache illustrations by Ellis. (Ages 3-5)

By Minh Le; illustrated by Dan Santat

After bonding over blocks in preschool, two boys forge a beautiful friendship building together. With every project, they up the stakes, eventually leading to a massive craft-tastrophe. Luckily they realize that, even if a build fails, it doesn’t mean the friendship has to go with it. Santat’s cinematic illustrations shift between real-life creations made with humble supplies and epic, imaginary visions. (Ages 3-7)

By Annie Barrows; illustrated by Sophie Blackall

The team behind the beloved Ivy + Bean books are back with this refreshingly authentic early chapter book series. We follow 7-year-old Stella and her 4-year-old sister, Marigold, as they experience all the excitement and frustration of childhood, from a trip to the zoo gone awry to a night recuperating under the “sick blanket.” Blackall’s full-color illustrations appear on every spread, occasionally taking over storytelling duties when the sisters embark on wordless flights of fancy. (Ages 6-9)

Written and illustrated by Ann Kim Ha

In the animal world, does sparing your sworn enemy’s life count as love? Eddy the goldfish is thrilled when a couple of new friends appear outside his bowl. But when he decides to leap from captivity to meet them, he discovers that what he thought were friendly yellow fish are actually the watchful eyes of a black cat. An unexpected act of compassion means this friendship isn’t over yet. (Ages 4-8)

By Karen Gray Ruelle; illustrated by Hadley Hooper

Joy is a girl who really wants a dog. Jump is a dog who really wants a girl. As the seasons change, Jump and Joy both create stand-ins for their longed-for mates, using snow, sand and mud — but none can match the sense of kismet when the pair finally find each other. Vintage illustrations are collaged with loose character drawings to create a unique visual representation of friendship. (Ages 3-7)

Written and illustrated by Sophie Beer

Rather than fumbling for the right words to explain love to little ones, why not just show them? Each spread in this board book completes the refrain “Love is …” by highlighting a way people show affection, from a grandfather baking a special cake for his grandson to a mother helping her child find a missing sock. Bright illustrations echo the text and depict a diverse mix of family structures. (Ages 0-3)