The World Awakens!

16 Picture Books Perfect for Spring

Nature Rebirth

It's so fun to experience the phenomena of buds and baby animals through the fresh eyes of little ones who may be appreciating it for the first time.

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring by Kenard Pak
Part of a gorgeous trilogy of seasonal books, this story centers on a boy and his dog strolling through the countryside, greeting the signs of the coming season. From the melting brook to chirping birds, they welcome the lushness of spring.

Happy Springtime! by Kate McMullan and Sujean Rim
From earmuffed crossing guards and sweater wearing dogs to painters of flowers and planters of seeds, this bright, bouncy, and deliriously colorful book is an ode to the joyful transition from bitter wintry weather to the balm of spring.

Bird House by Blanca Gómez
On a snowy day, a child and her abuela (grandma) find an injured bird. They take it home and care for it until it can fly around the living room. This deceptively simple story is brimming with love, wonder, and a deep respect for the natural world.

Because of an Acorn by Lola M. Schaefer and Adam R. Schaefer
Because of an acorn, a tree grows, a bird nests, a seed becomes a flower. Wander down the forest path to learn how every tree, flower, plant, and animal connect to one another in spiraling circles of life. An acorn is just the beginning.

Gardening

Planting seeds and watching them grow is a foundational springtime experience for children. These books offer stories and experiences for kids interested in tending their own gardens.

Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert
Consider the board book version of this simple guide on planting and nurturing bulbs, seeds, and seedlings. The bright bold illustrations are perfect for engaging toddlers who can't help but reach out and touch all the colorful flowers.

City Green by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan
The forlorn vacant lot on Marcy's city block makes her feel so sad. Then one spring, she has an idea. This story shows how a whole community blossoms when a neighborhood joins together to create a green, growing space.

And Then It's Spring by Julie Fogliano
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, and they wait for signs of spring.

Lola Plants a Garden by Anna McQuinn
When book-loving Lola is inspired by some garden poems that she reads with her mommy, she decides to plant her own. So she and Mommy check out books about gardening. They choose their seeds and plant their garden together.

Weather

Spring can be a roller coaster when it comes to the weather. These stories demonstrate how to appreciate, and even enjoy, the wild weather ahead.

Singing In the Rain by Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown, illustrated by Tim Hopgood
"I'm singing in the rain, just singing in the rain." With the colorful Tim Hopgood illustrations and familiar lyrics of the classic Broadway song, this beautiful, gift-worthy, feel-good read-aloud evokes the glorious feeling of spring.

Feel the Wind by Arthur Dorros
Did you know that some wind travels faster than a car? In simple terms, with playful illustrations, learn about wind and where it comes from. Plus, get instructions for making your own weather vane!

The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates and Juniper Bates
The rainy days of spring that can seem so hard after a long, cold winter. This story imagines a magical umbrella with room for everyone underneath it. This lovely book reflects on themes of inclusion and tolerance.

Kite Day by Will Hillenbrand
On a blustery day, Bear and Mole decide to build a kite to fly. Soon, it's flying high above the meadow, until a storm rumbles in and—snap—the string breaks, sending the friends chasing after it.

Celebrations

Spring can feel like a celebration all by itself, but there are also some significant holidays that you may be observing with your kids. These books spotlight some of them.

The Spring Book by Todd Parr
This cheerful title reviews a helpful list of nondenominational spring days of note, from April Fool's to Mother's Day to Memorial Day. Celebrating is the easy part: "Go roll down some hills! Happy Spring!"

Is it Passover Yet? by Chris Barash
Children know that Passover is on its way when they see the signs of spring in this sweet picture book about a family joining together to prepare for the joyous holiday celebrating togetherness and freedom.

Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth by Oliver Jeffers
Perfect for Earth Day, this is a gently sweet and humorous missive about our world and those who call it home. Created for the author's own son, it offers a universality that embraces all children and their parents.

The Country Bunny and the Little Golden Shoes by DuBose Heyward
This classic 1939 book offers the fun—and surprisingly feminist—story of a humble, hardworking single mother (of 21 children!) with big dreams to serve as one of the esteemed (and historically male) Easter bunnies.

Spring is almost here! Help your little ones get into the spirit of the season with these stories invoking the changes, challenges, and celebrations ahead.

Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon