Our favourite Spring story books
Recently I have been sharing our favourite seasonal books over on my instagram page via reels. Each reel gives a sneak peak into each book and this got me thinking that it’s been a while since I popped some more detailed book reviews over on here other than on my monthly seasonal resources posts.
We have always had a pretty good collection of Christmas and Autumn books more so than Spring and Easter. Last year and this year I set out to change this. There is so much to celebrate and learn with life cycles, growth and new beginnings galore, that our favourite spring story books deserves a special place on our children’s book shelves. I have also included a few of our favourite activity / learning books as I find these make perfect gifts.
The age guides in these reviews are as follows – FS1 – pre-kindergarten / preschool. FS2 – pre-kindergarten / reception. KS1 – Infants / kindergarten elementary school. KS2 – junior school / 1st grade upwards
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Growing Story – Ruth Krauss and Helen Oxenbury
Foundation Stage age 3-5 years
This is a charming, slow and sweet story, which starts off in spring and follows the seasons. The little boy can see the trees, chicks and puppy are all changing, but what about him? Is he ever going to grow?
This is not a story where a lot happens, so if your child likes lots of action and bright colours in their picture books this may not appeal to them. But it is beautifully illustrated and would be great for helping children to understand that sometimes they have to wait for things to happen, and also that change sometimes happens very slowly. Good for provoking thoughts and feelings at a young age.
Omar the Bee and Me – Helen Mortimer and Katie Cottle
Foundation Stage to KS1 4-6
A wonderful book of community spirit! A diverse book with a theme of friendship, community. The story highlights the importance of bees and helping pollinators and is a must-read for both grandparents and children. Themes around cultural identity are also explored through Omar (a new boy from Syria) and Maisie’s friendship. The end papers include bee facts and a recipe for honey cake which we can’t wait to try out!
The Birthday Duck – Michael Morpurgo and Sam Usher
Foundation stage to KS1 Age 4 -6 years
A marvellous story of compassion and country life. A classic story from the wonderful author Sir Michael Morpurgo of one small boy, and one very lucky duck! Busy days of farm work, animals and learning all about nature captivate city boy Sam and he finds a duck about to be dinner, and is determined to save him.
This warm and marvellous story of Sam is wonderfully brought to life by the very talented illustrator Sam Usher, and is set on the real-life Nethercott Farm (a member of Farms for City Children) the charity that offers urban children from all over the country the chance to live and work together on a real farm and experience the magic of the English countryside.
I am a Bunny – Richard Scarry
Board Book aimed at 1-3 year olds FS1 and then wonderful to bring on independent reading for ages 4-6 years FS2
I am a bunny. My name is Nicholas. I live in a hollow tree. In the spring, Nicholas likes to sniff the flowers, and in the summer, watch the frogs in the pond. In the fall, he watches the animals getting ready for winter, and in winter, watches the snow falling from the sky. This has been a firm favourite in our house for 16 years and will be remaining on our shelves for future grandchildren to continue to enjoy. Each time you pick up this book there will be something new to find in the pictures which are so full of colour and joy. A must for your favourite spring story books.
We are the Gardeners – Joanna Gaines and Julianna Swanney
A whimsical picture book aimed at age 4-8 children FS2-early KS2 years
Everything about this book is wonderful, from the binding to the content and illustrations and is one we will treasure for a long time. This book supports the family bonding while nurturing a garden together. There is a lot of lessons throughout the book; from the children planning out their garden, talking about the importance of soil and organisms, water, light and pollinators. Joanna describes the role that aphids play and there is even a picture of an earthworm dressed as a secret agent! It brings alive the excitement and explores the wonder that is grown from one tiny seed and what creatures are the heroes and villains in a garden. The main lesson throughout is of resilience and a strong message on not giving up when mistakes are made. The passion of this author and her family of 6 really shows through the enchanting illustrations and pace of the book.
Busy Spring – Nature wakes up – Sean Taylor, Alex Morss and Cinyee Chiu
A picture book aimed at age 3-6 FS1-KS1
A fabulous creation from Sean Taylor an award-winning author, Alex Morss an ecologist, science journalist, educator and author alongside illustrator and world traveller Cinyee Chiu.
This is a sweet picture book with beautiful and extremely detailed illustrations, leading to lots of discussions and opportunities to talk around the text. The story follows two sisters and their Dad as they get the garden ready for spring, they spot lots of creatures and the story provides information and facts on the wildlife they find. The latter pages of the book become a non-fiction book explaining seasons, different flowers, hibernation, garden animals and how you can help them with several science pages with the very last page discussing climate change and its impact briefly. There isn’t a plot to the story but we think that’s ok and thats why it made our favourite spring story books.
Ruby Red Shoes – An Aware Hare – Kate Knapp
This book (one of a series) is simply springtime hygge for children. Kate brings her storytelling and illustrations alive with this modern take on Beatrix Potter whilst keeping all the whimsy and gentle moments. Ruby red shoes is a thoughtful bunny who lives in a colourful painted caravan with her beloved grandmother “Babushka Galina Galushka” meaning Grandmother, calm and dumpling. Ruby is a gentle, kind and aware hare who cares for all living things. She loves strawberry jam, peppermint tea, long baths, and her wonderful pet chickens!
Snuggle under a warm blanket, and discover the peaceful, enchanting world of Ruby Red Shoes and her grandmother. Read together or perfect for young readers ready to move on from phonics readers. It’s a perfect stepping stone for short chapter book reading.
Spring Story Brambly Hedge- Jill Barklem
These are favourite seasonal stories of mine, from my own childhood. These seasonal stories chronicle in illustrative detail, the lives and adventures of a community of mice who live in Brambly Hedge. Brambly Hedge is an idyllic spot where old values flourish and seasonal self-sufficiency is the order of the day. The little mice in the mouse village run about the hedge and do little mouse things, which seem to be remarkably mundane, yet are rendered infinitely charming by Jill Barklem’s cozy prose.
Spring – Shirley Hughes
Aimed at FS1/FS2 3-6 years
I can’t include a children’s seasonal round up without having Shirley Hughes being included. This Spring book is part of a set of 10 from her nursery collection. Each of these books include a collection of short stories and first poems with gentle rhyme. The illustrations in the Spring book really depict a realistic vision of British springtime with April showers, mud, blossom and green fields. Stories of a wholesome old fashioned style childhood complete with billowing washing lines, pancakes, wooly knits, chubby rosy cheeks, muddy knees and long socks. Amazon doesn’t have the Nursery Collection for sale so I have included a link to her Out and About selection of seasonal poems.
Easter is Coming! Tama Fortner and Wazza Pink
Padded board book for ages FS1-Early KS1 3-6
A beautifully illustrated, well-written book which portrays the reason we celebrate Easter! The author connects Easter to the very first sin, briefly mentions how some people listened to the prophets (and some did not), how Jesus came as a baby, how Jesus grew and taught others about God, and the different events of Holy Week. She ends each pair of pages with the phrase “…but we know… Easter is coming!” a positive and informative introduction to the meaning behind the celebration of Easter.
We’re going on an Egg Hunt by Martha Mumford and Laura Hughes
A fun lift the flap book based on the format of we’re going on a bear hunt. I included this book as it’s my daughter’s chosen read most nights over the Easter holidays. There are 10 eggs to find and count as well as a surprise yet fun appearance from a mischievous wolf!
Gruffalo Spring and Summer Nature Trail Activity Book – Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
FS1-FS2 and early KS1 3-6 years
A book to help get you outdoors after a long winter! This encourages little ones to walk around the block, park and fields looking for first signs of spring, baby animals, flora and fauna of spring and summer time. Packed full of stickers and activities it’s a bumper seasonal spotter and one that will come with us on many outings.
If you go down to the Woods Today – Poems by Rachel Piercey and illustrated by Freya Hartas
FS2 to early KS2 4-8 years
If you go down to the woods today with more than 100 things to find!
Spring is waking up the world! My woodland home is full of friends, let’s peek inside and see….The poems bounce along and are well written to read aloud. Each double page spread filled with detailed woodland illustrations, include a list of things to find, which prompts you to spend longer on the page. But not only do you get a lot out of the book, there’s also a whole set of extra info and resources on nature at the back to get you out and exploring. I cannot recommend this highly enough and is a new must on our favourite spring books shelf!
Press out and colour Easter Eggs Kate McLelland
Advanced FS2 artists and KS1 artists 5-all ages!
This beautiful hard backed book of patterned eggs are perfect for decorating Easter trees and for homemade Easter gifts. We bring this book out every Easter when we’re in need of some mindful time.
Beatrix Potter Colouring Book
45 pictures to colour with classic quotes from the original tales. Perfect for celebrating 120 years of Beatrix Potter this year. We will also be listening to her tales at bedtime on our Yoto player with the new addition of Beatrix potter story cards.
We hope you have found our favourite spring story books list helpful. I would love to hear what your little ones are reading this Springtime in the comments box below.
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