Spring has sprung and the birds are coming back. Animals and insects are coming out and the trees and ground are changing color. What better way to celebrate this new and growing season than with reading great picture books on the subject.
Let's begin with a great book that will have you grabbing a tissue. Sneezy Louise , by Irene Breznak, and illustrated by Janet Pedersen, deals with Louise as she wakes up one morning with itchy eyes and a nose that can't stop tickling. Louise is sneezing everywhere and can't seem to stop. But what she learns she can do is cover her mouth. Now that's something that we can all appreciate!
For books about this upcoming growing season here is a book that not only takes you through the stages of a tiny flower seed, but contains a seed to plant. The Tiny Seed, by Eric Carle, demonstrates the true miracle of how one of many seeds from a flowering plant travels by wind and makes it to the soil to plant itself and become the cycle of growth once again. This wonderful reissue is downsized making it a perfect smallish book for little hands, or to carry along.
Living Sunlight: How Plants Bring the Earth to Life, by Penny Chisholm, and illustrated by Molly Bang, glows like the sun with brilliant sunny pages on a contrasting dark blue background. As you learn about the importance of sunlight and energy, this second book in the series will enlighten all who reflect on the value of this book.
To Be Like the Sun, by Susan Marie Swanson, and illustrated by Margaret Chodos-Irvine, is another look into the growing stages of flowers. This reissue reveals a seed that eventually blossoms into a beautiful sunflower. The book informs the reader about the parts of plants, as well as showcasing the colorful beauty of a flower.
Fletcher and the Springtime Blossoms, by Julia Rawlinson, and illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke, is a humorous story about Fletcher, the fox, as he confuses snow for the many white blossoms he sees. He first alarms his forest friends but soon learns about his mistake. Just witnessing the splendor of colors throughout the book will make you almost smell spring.
Mortimer's First Garden, by Karma Wilson, and illustrated by Dan Andreasen, shows Mortimer, the mouse, not believing that seeds are only for eating. He is dubious that seeds aren't just for eating. So he plants one of his seeds and begins the long wait to see and begins to doubt. But the plant is about to sprout and a miracle is about to show itself. Now if he could just find a friend to share this miracle with him.
Planting a Rainbow, by Louis Ehlert, was first published back in 19 88 and still delivers the strong message of flowers, vegetables and gardens. This board book is covered with an array of colors that showcases spring with much celebration.
Animals and insects are all appearing as the season progresses. Honk, Honk, Goose! Canada Geese Start a Family, by April Pulley Sayre, and illustrated by Huy Voun Lee,
will have kids everywhere looking to the sky as geese begin to make their migration back north from their winter homes. This book showcases two baby geese as they hatch to maturity and they start their own family. The story includes predators, migration and types of geese.
The Odd Egg, by Emily Gravett, has Duck without an egg. So when he finally discovers a nice large egg, he's thrilled. But he's made fun of because this egg appears so different. But there's a surprise waiting for all when the egg finally cracks.
Little Chick, by Amy Hest, and illustrated by Anita Jeram, is a sweet story about nurturing, kindness and love. Old Auntie is a hen who tenderly helps Little Chick with advice and patience as Little Chick becomes discouraged or impatient. The short vignettes will display teachable moments for all who read this valuable story.
Little Birds, by Kevin Henkes, and illustrated by Laura Dronzek, is a book full of many kinds of birds of all sizes and varieties. Some can't fly, some have long legs and some have huge beaks. Upon opening the book, you can almost hear their “sing-song” whistle. It's a wonderful celebration of these feathered friends.
Katy Did It!, by Lorianne Siomades, has a hopping little katydid who jumps too high and accidently spreads pollen across the lilies and scares the aphids off the tomatoes and then spoils a spider's new web. But, fortunately, Katy proves that she can help those tiny bugs who have problems. The text exclaims the sounds and sights of this brightly digitalized book.
Adios Oscar! A Butterfly Fable, by Peter Elwell, depicts the stages of the butterfly from the caterpillar to cocoon to a surprise at the end. This is a marvelous introduction to something quite magical that begins in the spring.
And lastly, here's a wonderful chapter book with a series of adventures fit for the younger reader and a read-aloud for ages 4 and up. Emmaline and the Bunny, by Katherine Hannigan, is a fanciful and delightful story about an adorable Emmaline, who dreams of owning a bunny but isn't allowed.
