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!
Board Books
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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!