Express your love with a good book

Valentine's Day is traditionally marked with gifts of chocolates, flowers and jewelry. But books, I think, are an even better choice. With the lingering chill in the air, there's no better time than now to get cozy and snuggle up indoors with something good to read.

Here's a look at books I think would make a great Valentine's Day present. (Of course, if you must, add some chocolate and candy hearts. I won't object to that.)

¥ When it comes to buying presents for kids, you can never go wrong with a book. For a baby, "Peek-a-Boo, I Love You!" by Sandra Masamen ($7.19 at Target) is delightful, with a fun story and engaging illustrations.

For older readers, there's "Amelia Bedelia's First Valentine" by Herman Parish ($16.99 at Barnes & Noble), which will make girls giggle over Amelia's mishaps. For boys, check out "How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?" by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague ($15.29 at Target), a funny book about naughty dinosaurs that are loved no matter what.Heat up and enhance your relationship by answering questions from the book "How to Love Me: The Lovers Book of Questions" by Ali Davis ($9.95 at Barnes & Noble). Filled with probing, inventive questions on love and sex, it's sure to elicit eye-opening answers and take lovers on an exciting journey of discovery.

¥ When you can't find the words to express how you feel, a beautifully written poem can do the job for you. "I Love You: Poems of Love" ($24.95 at Zandbroz Variety) is an illustrated anthology of some of the most romantic poems ever written.

¥ How can a divorce-scarred feminist make a case for marriage? Elizabeth Gilbert will tell you in "Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace With Marriage" ($26.95 at Barnes & Noble). The book is part history, part travelogue, and Gilbert 'recounts her long-distance relationship with Felipe, a hot, older, divorced Brazilian she met in Indonesia.

¥ Amateurs often work for love alone - so what subject could be more fitting for the first entry in a brand-new series focusing on the art of the amateur photographer than that potent symbol of love? In "Focus on Love: Your World, Your Images" by Lark Books ($14.95 at Barnes & Noble), photographers show us that there are hearts everywhere, from graffiti on an alley wall to stones on a forest floor.

¥ Valentine's Day is, of course, all about love - and that includes love between the sheets. "Naughty Dots" by Dr. X ($12.95 at Zandbroz Variety) features more than 100 provocative puzzles for adults who want to have fun. Just connect the dots to see the intimate positions that will be revealed. What you do next is entirely up to you.