The Season of Renewal

25 children's books celebrating spring holidays

Springtime is nearly here and that feels like a celebration all on its own. But there are also many special days to enjoy during this season of renewal. We've put together a roundup of picture books celebrating some of the upcoming spring holidays.

St. Patrick's Day (March 17)

This cultural and religious holiday is named for the patron saint of Ireland. It is a celebration of Irish heritage and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland.

The Itsy Bitsy Leprechaun by Jeffrey Burton
The itsy bitsy leprechaun is ready for adventure as he searches for a lucky four-leaf clover. Little ones will love this magical twist on The Itsy Bitsy Spider. (2–4 years)

Thing One, Thing Two and the Leprechaun by Dr. Seuss
The zany duo from The Cat in the Hat chase a tricky leprechaun through a St. Patrick's Day parade, encountering bagpipe players, step dancers, a rainbow, and even a pot of gold! (2–5 years)

How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace
Is this the year you'll finally catch the leprechaun? Start a St. Patrick's Day tradition with this fun and lively children's picture book. (4–8 years)

Pete the Cat: The Great Leprechaun Chase by James Dean
Pete gears up to trap a leprechaun for his friends. But catching a leprechaun is never easy—especially if it's Clover, who's full of tricks. (4–8 years)

The Leprechaun's Gold by Pamela Duncan Edwards
In this classic Irish legend, two harpists—merry-hearted Old Pat and ill-spirited Young Tom—set off for a contest to name the finest harpist in all of Ireland. (5–8 years)

Ramadan (March 22–April 21)

Ramadan marks the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The religious holiday is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.

I Love Ramadan by Taymaa Salhah
The cheerful illustrations of this story introduce children to Ramadan and show how a young boy observes the holy month. (3–5 years)

Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors by Hena Khan
From a red prayer rug to a blue hijab, everyday colors are given special meaning in this breathtaking and informative picture book celebrating Islam's traditions. (3–7 years)

Lailah's Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story by Reem Faruqi
Lailah worries that her new classmates won't understand why she doesn't eat lunch with them during Ramadan. She gets help from the teacher and school librarian to explain her culture. (6–8 years)

Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story by Hena Khan
With lush illustrations that evoke Islamic art, this beautiful story offers a window into modern Muslim culture—and the ancient roots of its traditions. (6–9 years)

Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices by Aisha Saeed and S. K. Ali
A joyous short story collection by and about Muslims, edited by New York Times bestselling authors Aisha Saeed and S. K. Ali. (8–12 years)

Passover (April 5–13)

Passover, also called Pesach, is an important Jewish holiday commemorating Moses leading his people out of slavery in Egypt. It typically involves a special meal called a Seder, held on the first and sometimes second night of the eight-day holiday.

More Than Enough by April Halprin Wayland
A family's Passover celebration is equal parts warmth and charm in this cozy picture book, with the traditional seder song "Dayenu" as the grateful refrain. (3–5 years)

The Story of Passover by David A. Adler
This is the dramatic story of Israelites' escape, from Jacob settling in Egypt to the miraculous parting of the Red Sea. Includes discussion of the seder, and how the different parts of the meal symbolize elements of the story. (4–8 years)

The Passover Guest by Susan Kusel
Young Muriel's family has been hit hard by the Great Depression. They barely have enough food most days, let alone for a Passover Seder. But a mysterious visitor changes everything. (4–8 years)

Welcoming Elijah: A Passover Tale with a Tail by Lesléa Newman
A boy and his family sit around the dinner table for their Passover Seder. When they open their door to welcome the prophet Elijah, they get a surprise guest. (5–8 years)

Matzah Meals: A Passover Cookbook for Kids by Judy Tabs and Barbara Steinberg
This simple cookbook includes lots of great recipes for the young Passover cook, plus craft ideas for decorating the seder table. (8–11 years)

Easter (April 9)

Also called Pascha or Resurrection Sunday, Easter is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the Biblical story of Jesus's resurrection from the dead. Modern celebrations have come to include egg hunts and too much candy.

The Easter Egg by Jan Brett
If Hoppi can make the best Easter egg, he will get to help the Easter Bunny with his deliveries on Easter morning. But it is not so easy. (2–5 years)

The Garden, The Curtain and the Cross by Carl Laferton
From the Garden of Eden to God's perfect new creation, this gospel story teaches young children the meaning behind the death and resurrection of Jesus. (3–6 years)

The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story by Jan Berenstain and Mike Berenstain
The Bear cubs are candy-crazy this Easter! But Mama, with help from Papa, tells the cubs about Jesus' resurrection and shows them that salvation is much sweeter than candy. (4–7 years)

The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes by Dubose Heyward
This little brown bunny not only proved that she was kind, swift and wise enough to be an Easter bunny, but that she was the very bravest bunny of all. (4–7 years)

The Good Egg: An Easter and Springtime Book for Kids by Jory John and Pete Oswald
If you're looking for an Easter book that can last all year long, this eggceptional read is all about the importance of balance, self-care, and accepting others! (4–8 years)

Earth Day (April 22)

First held in 1970, Earth Day is an internationally recognized event demonstrating support for environmental protection.

Lola Plants a Garden by Anna McQuinn
Book-loving Lola is inspired by some garden poems to plant her own. She and Mommy check out books about gardening and get to work. (2–5 years)

We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom
Inspired by Indigenous-led movements across North America, this Caldecott winner issues a rallying cry to safeguard the Earth's water. (3–6 years)

A New Green Day by Antoinette Potis
If you listen, nature speaks. This book of evocative riddles and bold imagery encourages young readers to explore the natural world. (3–7 years)

Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth by Oliver Jeffers
Created for the author's own son, this sweet, humorous missive about our world offers a universality that embraces all children and their parents. (3–7 years)

My Friend Earth by Patricia Maclachlan
Our friend Earth does so many wonderful things! Readers of all ages will pore over the pages of this children's book that is bursting with color and texture. (4–7 years)

Spring is around the corner! Let the celebrations commence with some of these timely picture books.

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Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon