Books that Celebrate Spring

theme: garden, plants, spring

A Seed is the Start

by Melissa Stewart

32 pages; ages 6-9

National Geographic Children’s Books, 2018

A seed is the start of a new plant life. Bury it in the soil and watch it grow, grow, grow.

But plants need room to grow. Good thing seeds have many ways of traveling to new places. In the pages of this book, Melissa Stewart explores the different ways seeds get from one place to another. Some fly, some float. Some travel inside animals, some hitch a ride on the outside. In clear, not-too-complex language, and with an abundance of photographs, she brings readers into the world of seeds.

What I like about this book: I like how each spread celebrates a method of seed travel. I love the photos. And I really like the front-matter: the first page lists six “words to know” that will help readers gain more from the book. Plus there’s an index of plants at the back – so kids who want to know about a particular plant can go directly to that page. And there’s a list of books and websites for further information.

In My Garden (Look & Learn)

by National Geographic Kids  

24 page boardbook; ages 2-5

National Geographic Children’s Books, 2017

In my garden, seeds hide in the dirt. Soon, the seeds will grow.

Over the course of a season, seeds grow into sunflowers in this garden.

What I like about this book: The main focus of this brightly colored book is the life of a plant, from seed to seedling to plant to flower. Interspersed are bits about other things you might see in the garden, such as a bird, or a caterpillar. Another thing I like is the interactive component: count the seeds, touch the caterpillar’s legs…..

Spectacular Spring: All Kinds of Spring Facts and Fun

by Bruce Goldstone

48  pages; ages 4-8

Henry Holt and Co, 2018

Spring is a season of spectacular beginnings. Green plants and colorful glowers begin to grow.

Such a busy season! Days are getting longer, we’re putting away our winter coats, and hunting for our rain boots.  In this book Bruce Goldstone explores different aspects of the season, from how umbrellas work to flowers and birds.

What I like about this book: It’s filled with unexpected surprises, like: what shape is spring? And what does spring sound like? Best of all, there’s a collection of fun spring activities, including mud paintings and how to make a rain stick.

Beyond the books:

Go on a Spring Scavenger Hunt. Create a list or bingo card that relates to things your kids might see, feel, smell, or hear in your environment. Get some inspiration here.

Look for plants that are in different stages of growth. Some might just be poking out of the ground. Others might have flower buds ready to open.

Plant a sunflower (or two or three) and watch it grow. And grow. And grow. Then watch what insects visit your flowers to collect pollen.

Make tissue paper flowers. You need scissors, tissue paper, and pipe cleaners or string. Here are some easy-to-followdirections.

Today we're joining the STEM Friday roundup - and we're also joining others over at Perfect Picture Book Friday, an event in which bloggers share great picture books at Susanna Leonard Hill's site. She keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. Review copies from publisher.