With the days getting longer and sunnier, we’ve got a wonderful list of spring themed picture books for you. These books are perfect for reading under a shady tree, packing with a picnic for a stroll through the garden, or cuddling up with on the couch after a morning out romping in the woods.
Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
As a small child, Alice Rumphius’s grandfather challenges her to make the world more beautiful. After a lifetime of adventures traveling the world, she returns to her house by the sea to sow lupine seeds, leaving her world a little bit better than she found it. An inspiring story with a profound message about the things that truly matter, adults are sure to find this book just as meaningful as their children.
Home for a Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown
It’s spring, spring, spring, and the little brown bunny is searching high and low for a home. He asks each creature about their home, but none are suitable for a bunny, until finally he finds a place that is just right. Sweet and simple, this is one my children asked to read over and over again.
Over in the Meadow by John Langstaff
Your children probably know and love the catchy counting song already, but that won’t stop them from asking for this enchanting retelling over and over again. With richly detailed pastel illustrations by Feodor Rojankovsky, you will be immersed in the beauty of life in the meadow.
Rechenka’s Eggs by Patricia Polacco
Perfect for Easter time, Patricia Polacco spins the tale of Babushka who makes exquisite eggs hand-painted in the Ukranian style for the local Easter festival each year. She takes in an injured goose called Rechenka who accidentally destroys Babushka’s, but Babuska is in for a big surprise. The stunning illustrations are a treasure all on their own, but paired with this sweet story of friendship and compassion, this book is sure to become an Easter favorite in your house.
Mossy by Jan Brett
With the lavish illustrations Jan Brett is known for, you’ll enjoy this story of Mossy the turtle, who carries a beautiful garden with her everywhere she goes. When Dr. Carolina scoops up this unusual specimen for her museum, Mossy is separated from her turtle friend, Scoot. Dr. Carolina must decide whether to keep the lonely Mossy on display at the museum or set her free. She comes up with a surprisingly satisfying solution that will delight readers of all ages.
Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
Mrs. Mallard has found the perfect place to hatch her ducklings until they need to make a trip through the bustling Boston streets to reach the Public Garden. A friendly policeman comes to their rescue and delivers them safely to their new home. A 1948 Caldecott Medal winner for the most distinguished picture book of the year, be sure to introduce your children to this classic that has been a favorite for generations.
The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown
Another classic beloved of babies and toddlers everywhere, your very littlest ones will love the tender and reassuring story of a little bunny who pretends to run away from his mother. Of course, the devoted mother comes after her child and finds him every time.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
This sturdy board book teaches the days of the week and counting as the hungry caterpillar eats his way through the week. Die cut pages and colorful illustrations make for a pleasing story that small children can relate to.
My Garden by Kevin Henkes
Elegant watercolor illustrations and imaginative storytelling will transport your child to a whimsical world where chocolate rabbits and jelly-bean bushes grow, flowers change color according to your imagination, and there are no weeds!
James Herriot’s Treasury for Children
This beautiful collection of animal stories adapted from the life of an English country veterinarian has been lovingly passed down from generation to generation. Classic tales like “Oscar, Cat-About-Town”, “Moses the Kitten”, and “Bonnie’s Big Day” are told with warmth and gentle humor.
More Spring Picture Book Ideas
Though they didn’t make our top 10, there are so many other wonderful picture books that capture the joy and new life of springtime. Here are a few more we’d recommend if your library hold list isn’t already long enough:
- The Bee Tree by Patricia Polacco
- Lola Plants a Garden by Anna McQuinn
- A Seed Is Sleepy by Dianna Hutts Aston
- The Honey Makers by Gail Gibbons
- Birds, Nests, and Eggs by Mel Boring
- Flower Garden by Eve Bunting
- If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson
- The Magic Schoolbus: Inside a Beehive by Joanna Cole
- Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert
- Flowers by Gail Gibbons
- Miss Maple’s Seeds by Eliza Wheeler
- From Seed to Plant by Gail Gibbons
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