Best Spring Books for the Whole Family
Spring is in the air, and what better way to celebrate than with a good book? Whether you are a parent looking for new books to read with your children or seeking inspiration for your own reading list, we have plenty of springtime books to choose from.
From tales of adventure and exploration to stories of new beginnings, we’ll share some of our springtime favorites. We hope these books inspire you and your little ones to engage with the outdoors and fully embrace the beautiful unpredictability that Spring brings.
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Springtime Board Books
Backyard Bugs by Little Hippo Books
A silly touch-and-feel book about all the cute and wiggly backyard bugs.
Little Blue Truck Springtime by Alice Schertle
Beep! Beep! Beep! Follow the little blue truck as he meets all the new springtime animals on the farm.
Nature Stories: Little Raindrop by Igloo Books
This padded board book follows a cute little raindrop as it travels through the water cycle.
Never Touch a Spider by Rosie Greening
A touch and feel book about all sorts of springtime bugs doing silly things.
Spring by Gerda Muller
This book explores the joys of planting seeds, painting Easter eggs, and watching baby birds.
Spring – Touch and Feel by Roger Priddy
Pet the fluffy duck and feel all the other textures on the springtime-themed pages.
The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle
Follow the journey of a tiny seed as it grows and becomes a beautiful flower.
When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes
Through calming repetition, this book shows the colorful transition from winter to spring.
William Morris 123 illustrations by Liz Catchpole
Count from one to ten with springtime plants, animals, and foods.
Picture Books About Spring
And Then Its Spring by Julie Fogliano
After a long snowy winter and little boy and his dog decide to add some color and plant a garden.
A Perfect Day for Digging by Cari Best
A sweet girl who shares her joy of digging with the reluctant neighbor boy. The neighbor soon discovers all the simple joys of digging, dirt, and trying something new.
Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin
A cute silly story of a worm and his family with a sprinkle of important worm facts that show how important they are to our environment.
Fletcher and the Springtime Blossom by Alison Farrell
With breathtaking watercolor illustrations a curious fox is enjoying a beautiful warm winter day but when petals start to fall he mistakenly believes the snow has returned.
Flower Garden by Eve Bunting & Kathryn Hewitt
A story of a father and daughter who spend the day putting together a flower box for her mom.
Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring by Kenard Pak
As readers journey through the changing seasons, they’ll learn about the wonders of the natural world and the joy of exploring the outdoors. This book is the perfect
Make Way For Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
The adventure of Mrs. Mallard and her eight ducklings through the busy streets of Boston on their way to the Boston Public Gardens pond.
Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner
While the top of the pond appears calm, the water underneath is teaming with life and movement. This book allows children to peek into the hidden ecosystem below the surface of the water.
Quiet in the Garden by Aliki
Quiet thoughtful observations reveal a busy diverse world in the garden.
Singing in the Rain by Tim Hopgood
Beautiful illustrations of joyous raincoat-clad kids accompany the classic Broadway song “Singing in the Rain”.
Spring: A Pop Up Book by David Carter
This is an intricate pop up book that labels a ton of different living things that can be found outside on a spring day.
Spring Hike by Dineo Dowd
Inspired by her own adventures with her young daughter, this book introduces kids to spring hiking and Leave No Trace principles.
Spring Sings for the Grouchy Lady Bug by Eric Carle
The classic beauty of Eric Carle’s illustrations in a lively and bright springtime setting.
The Spring Visitors by Karel Hayes
After hibernating all winter, a family of bears awakens in a cottage they used while the human owners were away. Together the family of bears tries to get the cabin cleaned up before the human owners return during a messy spring downpour.
Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco
A beautiful story about a young girl who is afraid of thunder. With guidance from her grandmother, she learns to see an approaching storm as an adventure to find ingredients for a thunder cake before the storm gets to the farm.
Up in the Garden Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner
Discover the secret hardworking ecosystem below the dirt that helps grow all the flowers and vegetables in the garden.
Who Likes Rain? by Wong Herbert Lee
In this book, a young girl goes on a rainy day adventure to learn that some animals like the rain while others do not. A great book for introducing the scientific skills of observation and inference.
Worm Weather by Jean Taft
This beautifully illustrated book loaded with fun onomatopoeias and rhymes tell the story of two little kids splashing in puddles while the worms enjoy the rain below ground.
Spring Reads for Elementary
The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle by Christina Uss
TMM team member Amanda says, “The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle is about a 12-year-old who runs away from home and a Friendship Factory camp in order to bike across the country and meet her cycling hero. Along the way, she learns a lot about how to be a friend.”
Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White
A beautiful heartfelt classic about Fern, a young girl with a heart of gold, who takes it upon herself to save the life of a helpless piglet named Wilbur. This timeless story teaches us the power of friendship, love, and selflessness, making it the perfect addition to any family’s bookshelf.
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
A young boy named James sets out on a thrilling adventure aboard a giant peach with a group of insect friends. This imaginative tale not only takes readers on a wild ride but also highlights the wonders of the natural world and the beauty of exploring the outdoors.
Rabbit and Bear: The Pest in the Nest by Julian Gough
A great choice for elementary kiddos who recently feel confident reading by themselves, this book while 100 pages long has pictures on every page. The story follows the adventures of Rabbit and Bear and they try to find out who is making all the noise.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
A classic novel about a young orphan named Mary Lennox who discovers a hidden garden and the transformative power of nature. Best for upper elementary students, this book will transport them to a world of mystery and wonder while teaching them valuable lessons about the beauty of the natural world.
Spectacular Spring by Bruce Goldstone
From blooming flowers and buzzing bees to chirping birds and spring showers, readers will learn about the many wonders of the outdoors during this vibrant season. This book is a perfect addition to any young reader’s library and will inspire them to explore and create with lots of facts and craft ideas.
Spring According to Humprey by Betty G. Birney
Learn all about spring from the eyes of a classroom pet. Humphrey the hamster watches the kids in the classroom as they learn about all the springtime things and teaches them all about friendship, teamwork, and the joys of the outdoors.
Superlative Birds by Leslie Bulion
TMM team member Amanda says, “Superlative Birds is a non-fiction poetry book with short poems about birds with unique characteristics, like building the biggest nests. Each poem is accompanied by a drawing and more scientific background on the featured bird.”
Uni Brings Spring by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Uni the Unicorn is on a mission to bring back the growing things of spring through the magic of her unicorn horn.
We Are the Gardeners by Joanna Gaines
An inspiring children’s book that chronicles the Gaines family’s journey of starting their own garden and learning about the joys and challenges of gardening. With colorful illustrations and relatable storytelling, this book encourages young readers to get their hands dirty and connect with the outdoors by growing their own gardens.
Spring Books for Middle & High Schoolers
The Great Unexpected by Sharon Creech
This is a heartwarming and captivating novel that follows the intertwined lives of two orphaned girls and their quirky neighbors in a small Irish town. With its themes of growth, renewal, and new beginnings, this charming story beautifully captures the essence of spring and will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.
Hello Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly
A novel that explores the power of friendship, self-discovery, and the wonders of nature. As spring unfolds, the story follows four young characters as they navigate their own personal journeys and find hope, healing, and a deeper connection to the natural world around them.
I Ate Sunshine for Breakfast by Michael Holland
This book explores the wonders of photosynthesis and the science behind how plants create energy from sunlight. Through charming illustrations and accessible explanations, this book provides an engaging and educational way for readers to learn about the magic of spring and the natural world around them.
The Light Jar by Lisa Thompson
A captivating novel that explores the power of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The story follows a young boy as he navigates the challenges of his past and finds solace in the beauty and promise of the natural world. A perfect read for anyone who wants to be inspired by the wonders of spring and the resilience of the human spirit.
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
My personal favorite middle school book is a classic coming-of-age novel that tells the story of a young boy’s adventures living in the wilderness. As spring arrives and the natural world comes to life around him, the protagonist learns to live in harmony with nature and discovers the joys of independence and self-sufficiency.
Some Kind of Happiness by Claire Legrand
This book is a poignant and lyrical novel that follows a young girl navigating the complexities of family, friendship, and mental health. As the girl discovers the healing power of nature and embarks on imaginative adventures in the forest, this book beautifully captures the transformative magic of spring and the hope it brings for new beginnings.
Spring Books for Adults
The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben
This book reads like a cozy chat with a friend. Peter spent his life harvesting, then later came up with protective measures to ensure the longevity and health of the trees. In this book, he shares all there is to know about trees and how their life affects ours.
The Last Wilderness by Neil Ansel
As the natural world awakens in the springtime, Ansell’s vivid descriptions and lyrical prose transport readers to a world of unspoiled beauty and profound solitude, making this book a perfect companion for anyone looking to reconnect with nature during the spring season.
Life in the Garden by Penelope Lively
A delightful memoir by Penelope Lively, filled with musings on the joys and pleasures of gardening. Through her reflections on the changing seasons, blooming flowers, and the rhythms of nature, Lively captures the essence of spring and inspires readers to reconnect with the natural world around them.
Look to the Mountains by LeGrand Cannon Jr.
LeGrand Cannon writes a captivating exploration of the beauty and majesty of the Appalachian Mountains, and the people who call them home. Set on the eve of the American Revolution, the arrival of spring brings new life and renewal to these ancient peaks.
The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson
A beautifully written novel that explores the power of seeds to connect us to our past and shape our future. As spring arrives and the world awakens, this book reminds us of the vital role that seeds play in the cycle of life and inspires us to take action to preserve our natural heritage.
Walden by Henry David Thoreau
“Walden” is a timeless classic, chronicling Thoreau’s two-year experience living in a cabin by Walden Pond. With its vivid descriptions of the changing seasons, Thoreau observes spring’s arrival and the rebirth of nature.
Spring Books for the Whole Family
Springtime is the perfect opportunity for families to step out of the house, explore the outdoors, and get lost in a good book. Whether it’s a board book, picture book, or a chapter book there is a wide range of books to choose from that will inspire readers of all ages. Reading together as a family not only promotes literacy and creativity but also inspires new adventures.
As the world emerges from winter, take the opportunity to pick up a new book and immerse yourself in the magic of springtime. From gardening and baby animals to adventure and discovery, there’s a book out there for every family member to enjoy.
Related Posts:
- Best Summer Books
- Best Fall Books
- Best Winter Books
- National Geographic Books for Kids
- Best Books for Outdoor Lovers of All Ages
- She Colors Nature: Diversify the Outdoors
Best Spring Books for the Whole Family
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