Spring is right around the corner. Even though it may be snowing–that’s the thing about Spring–it’s always on it’s way. Spring is coming– it’s a promise!
Picture books are a great way to bring a seasonal rhythm to your home and embrace the changing year. The books you read year-after-year together are the ones that will stay in your children’s hearts forever.
Here are some special spring picks that would make a lovely addition to any family library.
The Little Island, Margaret Wise Brown
Winner of the 1947 Caldecott Medal, this beautifully moving story centers around a little island in the midst of the wide ocean, and the curious kitten who comes to visit. As the seasons pass, the island and the creatures who call it home witness an ever-changing array of sights, smells, and sounds – proving that, no matter how small, we are all an important part of the world.
The Golden Egg Book, Margaret Wise Brown
A curious bunny just can’t rest until he discovers what’s inside an egg. (And for me the classics just can’t go wrong!)
Bunny’s First Spring, Sally Lloyd-Jones
A bunny frets as the world turns cold and hard, but as winter turns to spring he discovers hope is at the heart of things. I had to include this one– it’s the inspiration for this post, after all! “This seasonal story will have broad appeal for preschool teachers as well as young children and their parents.” – School Library Journal
The Happy Day, Ruth Krauss
This Caldecott Honor book is another classic. Snow is falling. All the animals are fast asleep in their animal homes. They awake. They open their eyes. They sniff. They run. What will they find?
Spring is Here, by Taro Gomi author of Everyone Poops
If you’ve been around here a bit you know what I say: Being simple isn’t simple. I love Taro’s work.
The Little Seed, by Eric Carle
Eric Carle’s classic story of the life cycle of a flower is told through the adventures of a tiny seed. This mini-book includes a piece of detachable seed-embedded paper housed on the inside front cover. Readers can plant the entire piece of paper and watch as their very own tiny seeds grow into beautiful wildflowers.
The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes, illustrated by Marjorie Flack
The country bunny attains the exalted position of Easter Bunny in spite of her responsibilities as the mother of twenty-one children. “It is difficult to believe that this very modern feminist tale was originally written in 1939. A gem of a fantasy in which kindness and cleverness win out over size and brawn.”–Learning Magazine
Baby Wren and the Great Gift, Sally Lloyd-Jones
The illustrations by Jen Corace in this book just exclaim spring to me and make it a perfect addition to any easter basket or library. “Baby Wren and the Great Gift is a lovely way to both share the joys of the natural world with young children and also talk about how each person is unique.” –BookPage
A Box of Treats, Kevin Henkes
All of Kevin’s characters and stories are so lovable and memorable that they make for many repeat reads. This little set celebrates five holidays (and their treats!)– perfect for the Easter basket and great for enjoying year round.
The Wildflower’s Workbook, Katie Daisy
Brimming with gorgeous artwork from New York Times bestselling author and artist Katie Daisy, this fresh-as-a-daisy guided journal features thoughtful prompts to encourage engagement with the natural world. From bird-spotting advice to camping checklists, each exercise is executed in the artist’s lovely signature style.
Bonus Easter Basket Pick
Found: Psalm 23, Sally Lloyd-Jones and Jago
An excerpt from The Jesus Storybook Bible in a board book format for little hands, it’s the perfect Easter gift for your littlest loves.
And a few new ones for 2019…
We Are the Gardeners, Joanna Gaines and kids and Julianna Swaney
I just had to add this brand new book by and about one of the cutest families ever. Spring is for growing! And how beautiful is this cover art?
Happy Spring and happy reading!