Fresh Picture Books to Welcome Springtime
Spring is a season of growth, renewal, and new beginnings. And let’s face it — for parents of young children, it’s also a season of muddy boot tracks, grass-stained clothes, and “spring fever” restlessness for kids eagerly awaiting summer.
But it’s not all dirty and squirmy for families – spring offers parents opportunities to spend time with their children in nature, enjoying the warmer weather and engaging in outdoor activities. Spring is a time to get outside, go for walks, have picnics, and simply explore.
This collection highlights titles that are perfect for the season. Featuring rainy days and sunshine, worms and puddles, birds and woodland creatures, parks and farmers’ markets, and dirt and flower gardens, this children’s book round up celebrates the many joys and wonders of Spring.
The Blue Umbrella | written by Emily Ann Davison and illustrated by Momoko Abe | Random House Studio
This delightful story features themes of community and making space. A little girl’s magical expanding umbrella teaches her that there’s always room for one more. This SEL (aka Social and Emotional Learning!) read aloud is perfect for springtime with its rainy day setting.
We Garden Together!: Projects for Kids: Learn, Grow, and Connect with Nature | written by Jane Hirschi and the Educators at CitySprouts + photography by Kim Lowe | Storey Publishing
This practical and fun nonfiction guide offers easy hands-on planting activities that can be done in a small outdoor space. It features real photographs of kids ages 3-6 participating in gardening adventures.
Just a Worm | written and illustrated by Marie Boyd | Greenwillow Books
A little worm sets out to determine what makes him important and to prove his value. This darling STEM title, illustrated with a gorgeous cut-paper technique known as quilling, celebrates everyone’s uniqueness while showcasing the concept of interdependence in nature.
Hello, Puddle! | written by Anita Sanchez and illustrated by Luisa Uribe | Clarion Books
In this charming nonfiction picture book, readers learn about the surprising importance of puddles in supporting nature’s creatures. Every puddle is teeming with wildlife!
My Day in the Park | written and illustrated by Marta Orzel | Blue Dot Kids Press
Visit a sprawling city park, and experience a world of adventure. This title is full of labeled illustrations and even offers a fun memory game. Explore the book with your little one and make connections to your own local park.
Love Makes a Garden Grow | written and illustrated by Taeeun Yoo | Simon & Schuster + Paula Wiseman Books
I dare you not to tear up while reading this heartwarming intergenerational story about a grandfather and grandchild. While not necessarily a spring title, this book's emphasis on flowers and gardening makes it perfect for spring.
Opal’s Springtime Birdhouse | written by Emily Matheis and illustrated by Albert Arrayás | Yeehoo Press
When a child enters a birdhouse-building competition, she is disappointed when her simple-yet-sturdy design does not win. However, she learns that someone else appreciates her birdhouse — someone whose opinion matters a whole lot.
Which of these fresh new titles will you be checking out first? Happy Spring!
Elizabeth of The Kid Lit Mama is a mom to a toddler, an educator, and children's book fanatic! On her Instagram @thekidlitmama and website THEKIDLITMAMA.COM, she enjoys sharing the best in kid lit, especially new + inclusive picture books, and how to use different titles at home and/or in the classroom.
