I am not going to lie. I genuinely enjoy all of the seasons, but by mid February I am really ready for spring. For me, the putting away of books from the old season and bringing out the books for a new season – and maybe purchasing one or two more – has become a pleasing ritual which I look forward to no matter which season we are going into.
Finally, our snowman is melting, the cold snap we’ve been enjoying feels like it’s over (yes, I said enjoying – Frida was able to experience proper snow for the first time, so all the rest is forgiven), and I have a vase of daffodils sat at the sunny kitchen window. This means it’s time to lovingly put away our winter books, and pull out those for spring which have been waiting patiently for the past nine months…
Top row L-R:
How Does My Garden Grow? by Gerda Muller We will be putting a raised bed into our little city garden soon so that we can grow some vegetables and fruits with Frida, and I can see this lovely book being used a lot this year.
How Do Flowers Grow? I really like this simple lift the flap book, which explores how flowers grow and what they need to keep. I am planning on growing some flowers from seed this year with Frida so this will be a perfect accompaniment.
Spring: A Collection of Poems, Songs and Stories for Young Children We read poetry together a lot, and this seasonal Waldorf kindergarten collection is perfect for teatime or morning time with young children.
Flower Fairies of the Spring by Cicely M Barker A classic, and wonderful for identifying seasonal flowers.
Spring by Gerda Muller Muller’s wordless picture books are worth their weight in gold for young children. We love looking at the pictures together and discussing what is going on.
Tree by Britta Teckentrup A sweet look at a tree through the seasons. Although not technically a spring book, this is fitting as we go full circle from winter, and it’s been out of rotation for a while.
Middle row L-R:
Caterpillar Butterfly by Vivian French Part of the brilliant Nature Storybooks collection, this book is a must for any child with an interest in the butterfly life-cycle.
Spring Story (part of the Brambly Hedge series by Jill Barklem) Not one if you are following a strictly Montessori approach to books, but one that we love. The mice of Brambly Hedge are welcoming spring – and there’s a special birthday to celebrate…
Alfie Outdoors by Shirley Hughes We love this heartwarming story, which shows Alfie growing carrots to bring to a special (and rather mischievous) friend.
The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle A simple book looking at seeds; will any of the seeds make it to become a big plant?
The The Story Orchestra: Four Seasons in One Day I’ve posted about this book before, but it remains one of Frida’s most loved. Beautiful illustrations and clips of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons take us through the year from spring to winter.
Bottom row L-R:
Botanicum A stunning book looking at plant life, which feels very fitting for the season.
The Story of the Root Children by Sibylle Von Olfers I LOVE this sweet story. We read along as Mother Earth wakes up the root children from their long sleep for the start of spring. A really simple, special book.
Spring (from the Shirley Hughes Nursery Collection) Beautiful illustrations which perfectly capture British springtime, accompanied by simple poems and stories. The perfect addition to any spring bookshelf.
It Starts With A Seed by Jennie Webber I bought this book recently and I am so glad I did. The illustrations, the language, and the simple tale of a tree growing from a seed into a home for wildlife; it’s all gorgeous. This would make a lovely Spring Equinox or Easter gift.
The Egg (My First Discoveries Series) Talking of Easter gifts, this has got to be on the list. Another wonderful book from the amazing First Discoveries series. I cannot recommend this enough!
Growing Frogs by Vivian French We love this book, which shows a girl and her mum growing frogs from tadpoles. It clearly explains the life-cycle of a frog and is a wonderful addition for a pond trip. Also part of the Nature Storybooks collection.
RSPB First Book of Pond Life A brilliant, clear guide to common pond creatures. Another one to pop in the bag if you’re planning a trip to a local pond (unless of course you are lucky enough to have one in your garden – we are planning on putting a mini pond into our garden soon, DIY to follow after – assuming it works…)
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I’ve also ordered Where Do They Go When It Rains?, another lovely looking book by Gerda Muller which looks perfect for our rainy spring weather.
What books will you be reading with your children this spring?
I’ll be posting soon about things to make and do in spring. If you’re planning your spring outings, have you seen my recent post about putting together a nature walk bag?
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Thank you for the inspiration! Do you tend to buy every book on the shelf or are some loaned, and returned to the library? I’d love to read them all to my child, but even second-hand is pricey when delivery is added, especially if he will favor some more than others.