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Writer's pictureJodi Adams

Our Favorite Spring Children's Books

At our house, we read A LOT of children's books, and we want to share some of our favorites with you! In this post, we've included our favorite spring board books and picture books. Feel free to skim the list and see if any appeal to your family. We hope you enjoy!




Avery dressed-up as Queen Elsa and deep in thought while reading a new book



Board Books



When Spring Comes  Written By: Kevin Henkes  Illustrated By: Laura Dronzek  Publisher: Greenwillow Books (2018)

When Spring Comes

Written By: Kevin Henkes

Illustrated By: Laura Dronzek

Publisher: Greenwillow Books (2018)

Recommended Ages: 0+


Book Description: 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!


Why We Love It

  • Perfect book for the winter-spring transition, when the weather changes its mind a lot

  • Beautiful imagery from both text and illustrations

  • Great introduction to springtime changes in nature for little ones

  • Part of a seasonal series; best book in the series (in my humble opinion)! 😊




Little Blue Truck's Springtime  Written By: Alice Schertle  Illustrated By: Jill McElmurry  Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (2018)

Little Blue Truck's Springtime

Written By: Alice Schertle

Illustrated By: Jill McElmurry

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (2018)

Recommended Ages: 0+


Book Description: Beep! Beep! Little Blue Truck is out for a ride with his good friend Toad. The sun is shining and the flowers are blooming—it's a beautiful spring day! Who will they see along the way? Open the flaps to meet all of the sweet baby animals just born on the farm. Peep! Peep!


Why We Love It

  • We LOVE Little Blue Truck!

  • Happy rhyming text and beautiful illustrations with a perfect spring color palette

  • Interactive, sturdy flaps that reveal baby farm animals

  • Encourages counting the animals on multiple pages




Baby Loves Spring!  By: Karen Katz  Publisher: Little Simon (2012)

Baby Loves Spring!

By: Karen Katz

Publisher: Little Simon (2012)

Recommended Ages: 0+


Book Description: It's springtime and Baby is taking a walk. What does Baby see? Little ones will love lifting the large, sturdy flaps in this book to reveal baby robins, beautiful butterflies, and everything else that Baby loves about spring! The sturdy format and easy-to-lift flaps are perfect for parents and children to share. This new gem from Karen Katz is sure to be a springtime favorite for young readers!


Why We Love It

  • Simple rhyming text and bright, bold illustrations

  • A large flap on each page reveals springtime favorites of kids

  • Perfect introduction to spring for babies and toddlers





Little Duckling  Written By: Giovanni Caviezel  Illustrated By: Laura Rigo  Publisher: Barron's (2012)

Little Duckling

Written By: Giovanni Caviezel

Illustrated By: Laura Rigo

Publisher: Barron's (2012)

Recommended Ages: 0+


Book Description: Delight your baby and follow along with Little Duck and Mama Duck as they care for her babies and make sure they don't get into trouble!


Why We Love It

  • Very simple yet informative text that is perfect for babies and toddlers

  • Book is "duck-shaped," providing interest for young ones

  • Board book with sturdy pages that can withstand chewing

  • Part of a series of four books; Little Bunny is another favorite of ours!







The Very Hungry Caterpillar  By: Eric Carle  Publisher: World of Eric Carle (1969 and 1987)

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

By: Eric Carle

Publisher: World of Eric Carle (1969 and 1987)

Recommended Ages: 1+


Book Description: The very hungry caterpillar literally eats his way through the pages of the book—and right into your child's heart!


Why We Love It

  • Brilliantly simple idea for a story

  • Die-cut pages add interest and let kids follow the caterpillar through the book

  • Promotes learning numbers, colors, days of the week, and the butterfly life cycle

  • Our version includes a Spanish translation, which adds another layer of interest and learning





The Little Book of Backyard Bird Songs  By: Andrea Pinnington & Caz Buckingham  Publisher: A Firefly Book (2016)

The Little Book of Backyard Bird Songs

By: Andrea Pinnington & Caz Buckingham

Publisher: A Firefly Book (2016)

Recommended Ages: 1+


Book Description: This enchanting book features recordings of twelve bird songs from some of the best-known garden bird species seen and heard across North America.


Why We Love It

  • Sound book featuring 12 common birds; helps us identify birds and bird calls in our area

  • Fosters an appreciation of nature

  • Has elements that make it appropriate for toddlers, older children, and even adults!





Little Green Frog  Written By: Ginger Swift  Illustrated By: Olga Demidova  Publisher: Cottage Door Press (2016)

Little Green Frog

Written By: Ginger Swift

Illustrated By: Olga Demidova

Publisher: Cottage Door Press (2016)

Recommended Ages: 0+


Book Description: Follow the Little Green Frog as he introduces your baby or toddler to his friends by the pond including ducks, fish, turtles, and more in this adorable lift-a-flap board book.


Why We Love It

  • Cute rhyming text and illustrations

  • Sturdy board book with a chunky flap on each page

  • Introduces babies and toddlers to animals and their habitats





Little Yellow Bee  Written By: Ginger Swift  Illustrated By: Katya Longhi  Publisher: Cottage Door Press (2016)

Little Yellow Bee

Written By: Ginger Swift

Illustrated By: Katya Longhi

Publisher: Cottage Door Press (2016)

Recommended Ages: 0+


Book Description: Follow the Little Yellow Bee as he introduces your baby or toddler to his friends in the garden including snails, bunnies, ladybugs, and more in this adorable lift-a-flap board book.


Why We Love It

  • Cute rhyming text and illustrations

  • Sturdy board book with a chunky flap on each page

  • Introduces babies and toddlers to colors and garden critters

  • Companion book to Little Green Frog and is just as cute!




Picture Books




and then it's spring  Written By: Julie Fogliano  Illustrated By: Erin E. Stead  Publisher: Roaring Brook Press (2012)

and then it's spring

Written By: Julie Fogliano

Illustrated By: Erin E. Stead

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press (2012)

Recommended Ages: 2+


Book Description: Following a snow-filled winter, a young boy and his dog decide that they've had enough of all that brown and resolve to plant a garden. They dig, they plant, they play, they wait . . . and wait . . . until at last, the brown becomes a more hopeful shade of brown, a sign that spring may finally be on its way.


Why We Love It

  • Great book for the winter-spring transition

  • Text flows from page to page in one long sentence that perfectly captures the anticipation of the arrival of spring

  • Details and animals in the illustrations create interest and round out the story nicely




Bear Wants More  Written By: Karma Wilson  Illustrated By: Jane Chapman  Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (2003)

Bear Wants More

Written By: Karma Wilson

Illustrated By: Jane Chapman

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (2003)

Recommended Ages: 2+


Book Description:

When springtime comes,

in his warm winter den

a bear wakes up

very hungry and thin!


Bear comes out of hibernation and he's VERY hungry. He eats everything in sight--but he still wants more! Bear's friends finally help him satisfy his HUGE hunger by throwing him a surprise birthday party.


Why We Love It

  • Masterful rhyming text and gorgeous illustrations

  • Cute ending!

  • Part of one of my all-time favorite children's book series!





Too Many Carrots  By: Katy Hudson  Publisher: Capstone Young Readers (2016)

Too Many Carrots

By: Katy Hudson

Publisher: Capstone Young Readers (2016)

Recommended Ages: 2+


Book Description: Rabbit loves carrots a little too much. In fact, his carrots are crowding him out of his cozy burrow. When his friends offer to help, they're just asking for trouble, a lot of trouble! This charming book shows how friendships get us over the rough spots in life, even if the going gets a little bumpy.


Why We Love It:

  • Stunning illustrations

  • Great message about sharing and the importance of friendship

  • Part of a fabulous seasonal series...highly recommended!





Are You Ready to Play Outside?  By: Mo Willems  Publisher: Scholastic Inc. (2008)

Are You Ready to Play Outside?

By: Mo Willems

Publisher: Scholastic Inc. (2008)

Recommended Ages: 2+


Book Description: Gerald is careful. Piggie is not. Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can. Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to. Gerald and Piggie are best friends.


In Are You Ready to Play Outside?, Piggie can’t wait to go play in the sunshine. But will a rainy day ruin all the fun?


Why We Love It:

  • Funny; perfect comedic timing!

  • Great messages about friendship and maintaining a positive attitude

  • Part of a truly innovative children's book series!





Little Raindrop  Written By: Melanie Joyce  Illustrated By: Gina Maldonado  Publisher: Autumn Publishing (2017)

Little Raindrop

Written By: Melanie Joyce

Illustrated By: Gina Maldonado

Publisher: Autumn Publishing (2017)

Recommended Ages: 2+


Book Description: Ever wonder where rain comes from? Join the captivating journey of a little raindrop as it travels from the sky, through the earth, and back again. Introducing Nature Stories: Little Raindrop, a captivating and beautifully illustrated padded board book that will ignite young minds with wonder and curiosity about the mysteries of nature.


Why We Love It:

  • Simple but lively rhyming text

  • Bright, bold illustrations

  • Sturdy pages and padded cover

  • Teaches the water cycle in a very kid-friendly, easy-to-understand way




Worm Weather  Written By: Jean Taft  Illustrated By: Matt Hunt  Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap (2015)

Worm Weather

Written By: Jean Taft

Illustrated By: Matt Hunt

Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap (2015)

Recommended Ages: 2+


Book Description:

Drip,drop,

skip and hop.

Splish, splash,

sidewalk dash!

It's worm weather!


Join in the rainy-day fun, as kids splash through the puddles, affecting another weather enthusiast, a nearby worm. An imaginative and playful story, readers will love seeing the worm delight in the weather just as much as the kids.



Why We Love It:

  • Perfect read for rainy days

  • Who doesn't like to say "It's worm weather!"? 😊




Tad  By: Benji Davies  Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books (2019)

Tad

By: Benji Davies

Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books (2019)

Recommended Ages: 2+


Book Description: Tad is small. In fact, she is the smallest almost-a-frog in the whole, wide pond. That makes it hard for her to do big things like follow her siblings who swim to other parts of the pond when they outgrow the nest. Swimming at her own pace, Tad soon learns how to to be bigger than her fears. Benji Davies creates a memorable and timeless tale that proves sometimes the mightiest creature comes in the smallest package.


Why We Love It:

  • Teaches kids how tadpoles turn into frogs

  • Great messages about facing fears, growing up in your own time, and dreaming big no matter your size




Little Quack's Bedtime  Written By: Lauren Thompson  Illustrated By: Derek Anderson  Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers (2004)

Little Quack's Bedtime

Written By: Lauren Thompson

Illustrated By: Derek Anderson

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers (2004)

Recommended Ages: 2+


Book Description: Join Widdle, Waddle, Piddle, Puddle, and of course, Little Quack, as Mama gets them ready for bed. One by one these curious, fuzzy babies drift away to sleep until finally Little Quack is the only duckling still awake. With a little loving encouragement from Mama, Little Quack finally closes his eyes and dreams. This book is perfect for putting even the most curious little ones to bed!


Why We Love It:

  • Cute story and illustrations; perfect for bedtime

  • The ducklings' names are funny and fun to read aloud!

  • Can be used to calm common bedtime fears

  • My grandma knew this illustrator!




The Power of Yet  By: Maryann Cocca-Leffler  Publisher: Abrams Appleseed (2021)

The Power of Yet

By: Maryann Cocca-Leffler

Publisher: Abrams Appleseed (2021)

Recommended Ages: 2+


Book Description: This charming picture book tells the story of one small piglet who uses the Power of Yet to conquer frustration. While it may not be possible to perfectly flip pancakes or play the violin yet, with practice and patience and courage and grit, anything is possible!


Why We Love It:

  • Very relatable scenarios for kids

  • Helps kids handle frustration and encourages a growth mindset

  • Perfect for spring but can be read anytime of the year!





One, Two, Follow Through  Written By: Mary Jacobs  Illustrated By: Ron Noble  Publisher: Triumph Books (2021)

One, Two, Follow Through

Written By: Mary Jacobs

Illustrated By: Ron Noble

Publisher: Triumph Books (2021)

Recommended Ages: 2+


Book Description: This is the perfect book to introduce children to the game of golf while teaching the values of sportsmanship, inclusivity, and staying true to oneself! This bright and engaging story, starring Polly Pivot, is a fun yet challenging journey of discovery and inspiration.  As she struggles (and eventually succeeds) in her golf lessons, Polly proves that the experience of learning is fun and rewarding if you follow through.


Why We Love It:

  • We LOVE golf! 😊

  • Strong female character

  • Promotes teaching girls the game of golf

  • Great messages about following through and staying true to yourself

  • Includes a golf drill at the end





Marshmallow  By: Clare Turlay Newberry  Publisher: Harper (2008)

Marshmallow

By: Clare Turlay Newberry

Publisher: Harper (2008)

Recommended Ages: 4+


Book Description: Oliver is a tabby cat who is always the center of attention. Marshmallow is a baby rabbit who moves into Oliver's home. At first Oliver does not welcome Marshmallow, but the little bunny's charms are impossible to resist. This is the true story of how Oliver and Marshmallow become friends.


Why We Love It:

  • They don't make stories like this anymore!

  • Old-fashioned yet charming tale of unexpected friendship

  • Longer text than most current picture books, but the story is so well-developed and endearing that I look forward to reading it every spring





The Tale of Peter Rabbit  Written By: Beatrix Potter  Illustrated By: David McPhail  Publisher: Scholastic, Inc. (1986)

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

Written By: Beatrix Potter

Illustrated By: David McPhail

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc. (1986)

Recommended Ages: 3+


Book Description: This is the classic story about Peter, the naughty rabbit, and his adventures in Mr. McGregor's garden, with art by beloved illustrator David McPhail.



Why We Love It:

  • Classic story!

  • Bright, fitting illustrations

  • This version has all the details of the original story, so it's best for kids 3+. (We also have a shorter board book version that is better geared toward babies and toddlers.)





My Garden  By: Kevin Henkes  Publisher: Greenwillow Books (2010)

My Garden

By: Kevin Henkes

Publisher: Greenwillow Books (2010)

Recommended Ages: 2+


Book Description: A girl helps out in her mother’s garden, but in the garden of her imagination, there are chocolate rabbits, tomatoes as big as beach balls, flowers that change color, and seashells.


Why We Love It:

  • So imaginative!

  • Gorgeous illustrations

  • Love the ending!

  • Encourages kids to think outside the box and be creative





Mel Fell  By: Corey R. Tabor  Publisher: Balzer + Bray (2021)

Mel Fell

By: Corey R. Tabor

Publisher: Balzer + Bray (2021)

Recommended Ages: 3+


Book Description: An innovative and charming tale about Mel, a plucky little bird who wants to learn to fly. Readers will delight in turning the book sideways and upside down to follow Mel on her journey from downward fall to triumphant flight in this tale of self-confidence and taking a leap of faith.


Why We Love It:

  • Simple story with timely humor

  • Illustrations add interest and humor as well

  • Interesting how you turn the book to follow Mel on her journey

  • Great messages about being brave and believing in yourself





Squeak!  Written By: Laura McGee Kvasnosky  Illustrated By: Kate Harvey McGee  Publisher: Philomel Books (2019)

Squeak!

Written By: Laura McGee Kvasnosky

Illustrated By: Kate Harvey McGee

Publisher: Philomel Books (2019)

Recommended Ages: 2+


Book Description: Early one morning, a gentle breeze tickles the ear of a small mouse, and he wakes up with a squeak! That squeak wakes up some chipmunks, who rattle tree branches and knock pinecones into the river. Those pinecones wake the trout, who splash around and wake up an elk on the riverbank. And so goes the story of Squeak!, a chain-reaction story set in a beautiful, rolling landscape with animals who are all woken up one by one with the rising of the sun.

Why We Love It:

  • Love the chain reaction and how it circles back to the original mouse at the end

  • Lots of onomatopoeia!

  • Teaches kids about animals and their habitats

  • Great for spring and summer reading!





The Honeybee  Written By: Kirsten Hall  Illustrated By: Isabelle Arsenault  Publisher: Atheneum Books For Young Readers (2018)

The Honeybee

Written By: Kirsten Hall

Illustrated By: Isabelle Arsenault

Publisher: Atheneum Books For Young Readers (2018)

Recommended Ages: 3+


Book Description: 

Bzzz…

What’s that?

Do you hear it?

You’re near it.

It’s closer,

it’s coming,

it’s buzzing,

it’s humming…

A BEE!


With zooming, vibrant verse and buzzy, beautiful illustrations, this celebration of the critically important honeybee is a honey-sweet treasure of a picture book.


Why We Love It:

  • Interesting rhyme scheme that changes throughout the book but flows well with the story and pictures; lots of rich verbs, onomatopoeia, and timely pauses in the rhymes

  • Stylish, cheery illustrations

  • Teaches kids about life as a honeybee and how important they are to our world





Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt  Written By: Kate Messner  Illustrated By: Christopher Silas Neal  Publisher: Chronicle Books (2015)

Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt

Written By: Kate Messner

Illustrated By: Christopher Silas Neal

Publisher: Chronicle Books (2015)

Recommended Ages: 3+


Book Description: Follow a young girl and her grandmother on a journey through the year planning, planting, and harvesting their garden—and learn about what's happening in the dirt to help make it all happen.


Up in the garden, the world is full of green—leaves and sprouts, growing vegetables, ripening fruit. But down in the dirt exists a busy world—earthworms dig, snakes hunt, skunks burrow—populated by all the creatures that make a garden their home. These secrets and many others are waiting to be discovered up in the garden and down in the dirt.


Why We Love It:

  • Beautiful lyrical prose full of vivid imagery

  • Soft, detailed illustrations accurately portray the garden and its critters while still drawing the reader in with the emotional journey of the girl and her grandmother

  • Helpful resource for teaching little ones about gardens and common garden critters

  • Book follows the garden throughout a full year and provides information about what's happening both above and below the dirt in each season; additional information and resources are provided at the end


 

We sincerely hope that you enjoy these books as much as we have! To receive monthly book recommendations, sign-up for my newsletter at the bottom of this page. Otherwise, if you have any spring book recommendations for us, please type them in the comments below. We are ALWAYS looking for fun new books to read! 😊


Happy spring and happy reading from our family to yours!




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