Recommended Reading

Hi Friends,

Spring is here and it’s time to get back outside.  The long cold days of winter are over and it’s time to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.  Toddlers and preschoolers are ready to play in the sandbox, blow bubbles and experience all that nature has to offer in the spring time.  The change in weather doesn’t need to change your reading time.  The nice weather provides an opportunity to read outside.

When the pandemic moved learning from the school to our home my husband and I strung up the camping hammocks in the backyard and this is where our kids read for the entire spring.  I love reading outside on a porch swing, back porch, or better yet the beach.  Something about the sound of birds chirping soothes the heart just like a good book.

This post shares with you some great reading resources to start reading with your toddler and preschooler.   Book images in this post include amazon affiliate links and ads.  I may receive commission from clicks or purchases from the site links.  Clicking on the book image will open a new tab for shopping books from this list.  The book images also provide a reference for library or independent bookstore browsing. 

Reading books about nature and animals just feels right in the spring. Here are 10 recommended spring time picture books to read with your child.

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Children easily relate to The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.  This classic story tracks the food log of a caterpillar through the week.  The innovative pages show the caterpillars consumed bites.  What will the caterpillar eat next? Why is he eating so much? The answers delight every reader of this classic from Carle.  

• Frog and Toad are Friends by Arnold Lobel

Frog is ready for spring.  Toad not so much.  Sometimes you need a good friend to encourage you to get out of bed.  In this story, Frog and Toad show that life is better when spent with a friend. Even the little things in life are better when you have someone to share them with.

• A Kiss for Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik

Little Bear is outdoors enjoying the good weather.  He feels happy and paints a picture for his grandmother.  Little Bear give the picture to Hen to give to his Grandmother.  Grandmother has a special gift for Little Bear too!  Oh the trouble Hen goes through to give the gift to Little Bear gets the whole neighborhood involved.  A delightful book to read in the springtime.   

• The Fuzzy Little Duckling by Jane Werner Watson

Spring time brings new life to the farm.  The fuzzy little duckling is out for a walk to explore and meet new friends.  This classic little golden book is a fun read with toddlers and babies.  Be sure to make all the animal noises and you’re sure to make your child smile and giggle. 

• The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf

The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf is a classic children’s picture book with illustrations by the famous Robert Lawson.  Ferdinand is a unique bull that marches to his own drum.  While others are getting ready for a fight Ferdinand is enjoying the spring time flowers and all that the natural world has to offer.  This classic tale has a timeless message of acceptance of your own true self. 

• Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey

Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey shadows a mother and her daughter as the pick blueberries.  The joy of picking fresh fruit from the bush is not lost on Sal as she enjoys eating the blueberries as much as she enjoys plucking them in the pail.  Sal is not the only one as she is joined in the blueberry patch by a special friend.  This classic picture book invites you into nature to experience it with a special friend.

• The Classic Tale of Peter Rabbit and Other Cherished Stories By Beatrix Potter

A springtime classic tale in the garden.  This classic story by Beatrix Potter pits a tiny young rabbit verses an old framer battling it out for yummy veggies.  This is a great tale for spring and a great way to introduce vegetables to your toddler.

• Noah’s Ark by Peter Spier

The beautiful illustrations of Peter Spier’s version of Noah’s Ark remind us of the grace of God we see each time the trees of spring burst back to life.  The animals come out of hibernation and the world draws a fresh breath with the warm spring air. “The Lord’s grace be the praise.”

• Franklin Rides a Bike

The Franklin series is a family favorite.  Franklin’s adventures are so relatable for children.  Spring time is a great time to learn new skills like riding a bike.  This is a great book to give children the encouragement and confidence they need to try something new. 

• Stega Nona by Tomie dePaola

Spring time means spring cleaning and spring time chores.  This book is a fun look at working hard and serving others.  In this book, Big Anthony wants to help Stega Nona but trouble happens when he forgets the instructions. 

Remember what Gretchen Rubin says, “The days are long but the years are short”.  Spend those long days reading and those moments will never be wasted.