Spring is a time of awakening of nature, bright colors and new impressions. It is in spring that you want to read kind and bright books that will help kids learn more about the world around them and teach them to appreciate the beauty of this time of year. In this article, we will look at some wonderful books about spring that are suitable for the youngest readers.
1. Kevin Henkes «When Spring Comes: An Easter And Springtime Book For Kids»
Watch the world transform when spring comes! In a starred review, School Library Journal called this delightful picture book “A must-have, joyful seasonal title for the youngest listeners.”
In this beautiful book for young children, Caldecott Medalist and Newbery Honor author Kevin Henkes uses striking imagery, repetition, and alliteration to introduce basic concepts of language and the changing of the seasons. And acclaimed artist Laura Dronzek’s gorgeous, lush paintings show the transformation from quiet, cold winter to the newborn spring.
Before spring comes, the trees are dark sticks, the grass is brown, and the ground is covered in snow. But if you wait, leaves unfurl and flowers blossom, the grass turns green, and the mounds of snow shrink and shrink. Spring brings baby birds, sprouting seeds, rain and mud, and puddles. You can feel it and smell it and hear it—and you can read it!
In a starred review, The Horn Book said, “This joyful reflection is as welcome as spotting the first brave crocus.”
In the Middle of Fall, Winter Is Here, When Spring Comes, and Summer Song make for a beautiful quartet of seasonal-theme picture books to share at home or in the classroom. Ideal for introducing the season, for story time, and for bedtime reading.
2. Julia Rawlinson «Fletcher and the Springtime Blossoms: A Springtime Book For Kids»
In this companion to Fletcher and the Falling Leaves and Fletcher and the Snowflake Christmas, Fletcher the fox returns for another seasonal adventure. A perennial favorite for storytime sharing!
Fletcher enjoys the sunny weather and the warmth of spring. But when he stumbles across snowy flakes gently floating to the ground, he spreads the news of winter’s return to all his friends. But spring is full of wonderful surprises for Fletcher and his friends.
The Fletcher books are enjoyable picture books for sharing at home or in the classroom and are perfect for units on the seasons.
3. Will Hillenbrand «Spring is Here: A Bear and Mole Story»
Mole can smell that spring is in the air, but Bear is still asleep after his long winter nap!
Excitedly he taps on the window and knocks on the door– he even tries playing a trumpet to wake his friend so they can celebrate together. But Bear keeps snoozing.
But Mole is determined, so he milks and gathers and bakes a special springtime surprise for his friend — the perfect way to wake up!
A perfect read-aloud, full of simple sound-words and lots of repetition, Spring is Here is ideal to share with young readers to celebrate the changing of the seasons. Cozy mixed-media illustrations of big, fuzzy, dozing bear and his eager mole friend add detail and humor to the tale.
4. Lauren Thompson «Mouse’s First Spring»
Mouse and Momma head out to play—only to discover that spring has sprung in this Classic Board Book!
One bright day, Mouse and Momma head outside to play. The wind blows in something feathery and plump (a bird), something wiggly and pink (a worm), and something green that hops and leaps (a frog). But before it’s time to go back inside, Mouse finds something with petals that’s soft and new…the prettiest flower he’s ever seen! Could it mean spring is finally here?
Available for the first time as a Classic Board Book, this seasonal story is perfect for even the youngest of readers.
5. Phillis Gershator, Mim Green «Who’s Awake in Springtime? »
In this rhythmic springtime tale, animals of all kinds get ready to sleep. As the sun sets, fish find a place to hide, cats curl up, and sheep huddle in their wool coats. Still, not everyone is asleep . . . the minnow, the kitten, the lamb—and a little boy—are all awake (but not for long!).
