A Spring Book List For Kids

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by Cindy Anderson

Looking out my window, I notice my plum tree awash with the pinkest blooms, a white dogwood beginning to open, and clusters of red buds appearing on the maples. Spring is arriving in all of its glory, and I am grateful! Earlier this week, I walked with my friend through the park across from her house. She noted that the park has been full of individuals and families walking, playing games, and soaking up the warmer weather every evening. She said it looked like a Saturday with so many people outside, and she was so glad to be a quiet observer of everyone's connection to nature and each other.

I have chosen these titles with the spring season in mind to encourage children (and adults) to enjoy creation, be watchful observers, and care for the world around them. We can follow the example of Emily Dickinson, who loved exploring the nature around her home, and Gene Stratton-Porter, who wrote and photographed the birds and wildlife she loved. These books are full of poetry and illustrations that will call us outside and inspire us to see the world in a new light.

Wildflower Emily: A Story About Young Emily Dickinson by Lydia Corry

This graphic-style book has quickly become a favorite! The story takes us on a journey with a young Emily Dickinson and her trusted dog companion to explore the natural world around Amherst, Massachusetts. The author scatters lines of her poetry throughout the nature-filled pages, making this book an absolute delight. Wildflower Emily is a must-read for anyone who wants to introduce a young person to Emily's beautiful poetry.

Recommended for ages 6-11

Outside Your Window: A First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies

If children had coffee tables in their bedrooms, this book would have a prominent spot. This large volume of poetry is beautiful in every way. Gorgeous illustrations, lovely poetry, and nature facts fill the pages. It is a treasure, and children will read it again and again; it is the perfect gift for a birthday or an Easter basket.

Recommended for ages 3-10

Bird Girl: Gene Stratton-Porter Shares her Love of Nature with the World by Jill Esbaum

Before Gene Stratton-Porter became a famous author (one of my favorites), she loved the outdoors and wanted to learn everything she could about the natural world, especially birds. This beautifully illustrated book tells her story and teaches the reader about her love for creation and why we should look after the natural world she cared for so deeply.

Recommended for ages 4-10

Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall

This book feels like a spring title with the beautiful blue skies and great blue and white waves. We watch the days and seasons pass as a lighthouse keeper and his family grow and live together in their lighthouse home. This is the perfect read if your travels take you near lighthouses or if you want to imagine what life would have looked like for a lighthouse family.

Recommended for ages 2-7

The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton

The classic story, written in 1941, is as relevant today as ever. Follow along as this happy home moves from the country to the city and then back to the country again. This book takes you through the seasons of life in the loveliest way. Virginia Lee Burton was a talented picture book writer, and this title has always been one of my favorites.

Recommended for ages 3-8

Here are a few more outdoor spring recommendations:

• Harlem Grown by Tony Hillery

• Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

• The Gardener by Sarah Stewart

• The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver by Gene Barretta

• The Hike by Alison Farrell

• Spring After Spring by Stephanie Roth Sisson

You can find the entire collection available for purchase at the Rabbit Room Store.

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Cindy has been an educator for over 30 years, including work in environmental and nature education. She consistently uses stories and books, including picture books, with all of her students from elementary to high school. Most recently, she taught high school humanities, as well as creative writing and science classes for middle school. On any given Saturday, you can find her in her garden, the local farmers market, and her local library.

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