Spring is in the Air (and on our bookshelves)

The arrival of springtime here often means cool weather and lots of rainfall but we needn't worry though, those spring flowers will be blooming and popping up everywhere soon enough. In the meantime, I am all for snuggling up with kids and reading some new picture books together on those rainy days. Here's a list of just a few new (and some old favourites) spring picture books that we are reading this month:

The Chalk Garden

by Sally Anne Garland

Emma is also eager to make a beautiful garden that will attract birds. She tries to brighten up the gray concrete garden with colourful chalk drawings but still no birds come. Until one day, her dad removes the concrete and together they build a real garden that attracts all kinds of creatures, including a visiting bird.

A Dream for Every Season

by Haddy Njie, illustrations by Lisa Aisato

A picture book that celebrates the changing seasons, illustrated by Norwegian artist Lisa Aisato. This poetic story shares how each season will lay in wait for its moment to appear. Spring dreams of buds, summer of blossoming; fall brings with it all the colourful leaves and winter dreams of hot cocoa and rosy cheeks.

Little Homesteader: A Spring Treasury of Recipes, Crafts, and Wisdom

by Angela Ferraro-Fanning, illustrations by Anneliesdraws

A sweet activity book for kids that shares information, crafts, and recipes related to the spring season. It includes information about phenology wheels, edible flowers, animals, nature foraging, and much more!

In Every Life

by Marla Frazee

A picture book that would make a special gift for a new parent. This simple story leaves readers with a touching message about love, family, hope, and the miracle of life with stunning double-spread illustrations.

Hello, Rain!

by Kyo Maclear, illustrations by Chris Turnham

A stunning picture book with lyrical storytelling that celebrates everything there is to love about the rain. “Deluge, downpour, sprinkle, storm, a drizzle, a mizzle.” This story is so sweet, poetic, and verbally paints a beautiful experience in the rain.

The Hot Cross Bunny

by Carys Bexington, illustrations by Mark A. Chambers

A very cross bunny named Steve just can’t seem to grow any chocolate eggs for the big day. Steve is determined to win the golden egg so he tries a few more tricks and before he knows it, he has grown the most egg-tastic egg anyone has ever seen. That is, until it cracks open to reveal a dragon! A chocolate pooping dragon that has escaped to the real world.

Pick a Perfect Egg

by Patricia Toht, illustrations by Jarvis

It’s Easter time, and that means finding the perfect eggs to dye and decorate at home. It also means Easter egg hunts with friends and filling up baskets with yummy chocolates and other fun treats. The poetic rhyme paired with stunning illustrations is the perfect read aloud treat for your little ones this Easter.

Mr. Watson's Chicken

by Jarrett Dapier, illustrations by Andrea Tsurumi

The story starts with Mr. Watson and Mr. Nelson and their three chickens that very quickly turn into 456 noisy chickens! When the overabundance of chickens puts a strain on their lives, Mr. Watson realizes that he simply cannot keep them all, because as much as he loves his chickens he loves Mr. Nelson more.

Bunnies in a Boat

by Philip Ardagh, illustrations by Benjamin Mantle

Those hilarious and crazy bunnies from the bus are back again, only this time they are on a boat and still getting into trouble, causing some amusing antics everywhere they go. Kids will love the rhyming story, the fun and playful illustrations, and keeping an eye out on the two squirrel bandits.

Welcome, Rain!

by Sheryl McFarlane, illustrations by Christine Wei

A charming picture book that celebrates all kinds of rain throughout the seasons and expresses gratitude for all the joys and benefits the rain brings us.

Lizzy and the Cloud

by The Fan Brothers

It is a beautiful day for a walk in the park to see the gazebos and fountains, but Lizzy is most excited to visit the cloud seller. She purchases her very own pet cloud and names it Milo. Lizzy spends her days taking very good care of Milo, carefully watering him and taking him on walks, until one day Milo grows so big that she doesn’t know what to do with him.

Bunny's Book Club

by Annie Silvestro, illustrations by Tatjana Mai-Wyss

Little bunny loves books and stories, and one night he decides to break into the public library. Eventually he sneaks his woodland friends in as well, then with the help of the librarian, they start a book club together.

A Round of Robins

by Katie Hesterman, illustrations by Sergio Ruzzier

A charming and sweet poetry book for children all about the life cycle of a robin. From birth to flight, learning the ropes to starting all over again. This funny poetry book is a perfect addition to any children's spring book collection.