There are so many things happening in the spring, and loading up on books from the public library or book store is a fantastic way to help spring burst onto the scene at home. Here are my picks for spring books by topic.
Spring Is Here!
These fun books will open up discussion about the season of new growth!
- Pig and Goose and the First Day of Spring by Rebecca Bond is the story of a happy pig that loves to dance and eat, but there are so many things she can’t do like swim and fly. This book has a great message about loving who you are and appreciating the things you can do well.
- Spring Is Coming! by Chris Bridge will fill you with hope and engage little kids in bilingual lessons through delightful rhyme and beautiful pictures.
- The Spring Suitcase Stories by Margaret Dolan is a collection of spring stories that will definitely get you in the spirit.
- The Spring Visitors by Karel Hayes is the story of a family of bears that is awoken from their hibernation by some torrential spring weather.
- When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes (one of my favorite authors) is an adorable picture book about all things spring!
- Let’s Look at Spring by Sarah Shuette is a nonfiction book all about spring. This book will give you some discussion starters about the changes you notice in the spring. After reading it, spend an afternoon at a park, maybe with a picnic, and see what spring changes your kiddos observe. Let them draw a picture of what they see.
- Spring by Rebecca Pettiford is a a nonfiction book about what makes spring unique. Topics such as spring weather and animal adaptations are discussed. After reading the book, check out these fun activities and printable about animal adaptations from the San Diego Zoo.
- Experiment with a Plant’s Roots by Nadia Higgins is packed full of fun science experiments to do at home.
- Does your kiddo oooooh and awwww over baby animals? Check out Baby Animals by Animal Planet. Then check with your local feed store and see if the baby chicks are in yet. Many feed stores have their chicks out where kids can see them. You’ll be very tempted to take one home!!!
Wonderful Women
These books will open up some very meaningful discussions about fabulous female trailblazers during Women’s History Month!
- For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai’s Story is the inspirational story of Malala, a young girl who believed every girl has a right to an education.
- I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark is the biographical story of the first female Supreme Court justice.
- Seeds of Change: Wangari’s Gift to the World is the empowering story of Wangari, the first African woman and environmentalist to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
- Me, Frida tells the story of famed artist Frida Kahlo and encourages young children to believe in themselves.
- Miss Moore Thought Otherwise: How Anne Carroll Moore Created Libraries for Children will have you running to the public library so you can thank the children’s librarian.
Poetry in Spring
April is National Poetry Month. Celebrate with these fun poetry books all throughout the year.
- Fresh Picked Poetry: A Day at the Farmer’s Market by Michelle Schaub will make you want to visit your local farmer’s market.
- Animal Ark: Celebrating Our Wild World in Poetry and Pictures by beloved poet Kwame Alexander is sure to bring out the animal lover in us all.
- Is potty humor a thing at your house too? The Awesome Book of Rap, Rhyme, and Putrid Poetry by Andy Jones will have your little ones rolling on the floor.
- Changes: A Child’s First Poetry Collection by Charlotte Zolotow walks you through the changes of the seasons.
- For more funny poetry, check out Chicken Scratches: Poultry Poetry and Rooster Rhymes by Lynn Brunelle.
“May” We Read
Celebrate the Hispanic culture with books all about Cinco de Mayo. Once you’ve read these books, you’ll be in the fiesta spirit!
- Cinco de Mayo by Emma Carlson Berne gives historical context to this Mexican celebration.
- While this book won’t necessarily teach you anything about Cinco de Mayo, Chicks and Salsa by Aaron Reynolds will have you in the mood for a spicy fiesta!
- Cinco de Mouse-o by Judy Cox is a humorous cat-and-mouse tale that may have you running out to the party store for a piñata.
Mother’s Day deserves some great books to get your littles thinking about how to make mom feel special.
- In A Heart Just Like My Mother’s by Lela Nargi, Anna learns that she has something very special in common with her mother.
- Author Eve Bunting and illustrator Jan Brett team up in this super cute book called The Mother’s Day Mice to help three mouse brothers get the perfect gift for their mom.
- In Our Mothers’ House by Patricia Polacco (my favorite children’s author, ever — get ALL of her books) is the sweet story of a family in which love abounds. Not all families look the same, but no matter how many moms or dads a family has, as long as there is love, they have everything they need.
No matter the season, these books are sure to entertain your littles. Happy reading!
