When you think about spring, you probably think about flowers, baby animals, and days that are slowly getting longer and warmer!
Lots of people think of March 1 as the start of spring, and they're not wrong. When you think about the start of spring as March 1, you're thinking about meteorological spring or spring based on the study of weather (meteorology)!
But did you know that there's another way to track the changing seasons? A way that uses astronomy (the study of space)?
The astronomical seasons are based on the rotation of Earth around the Sun and the astronomical change from winter to spring is called the spring equinox.
In the Northern Hemisphere, the spring equinox occurs when the sun crosses the equator. After the spring equinox, the Northern Hemisphere begins tilting more toward the Sun. This means more daylight hours and warming temperatures aka the start of spring!
This year, the spring equinox falls on Sunday, March 20 and with the promise of warm days and blooming flowers ahead, there's no better way to celebrate than with some sweet picture books all about the coming spring season.
Happy Springtime! by Kate McMullan with pictures by Sujean Rim
This bright, bouncy, and deliriously colorful picture book is an ode to the joys of spring, encouraging everyone who waits out the slow lengthening of days through the end of winter. From earmuffed crossing guards to sweater-wearing dogs, from painters of flowers to planters of seeds, Happy Springtime! celebrates the burst of life following the thaw of winter.
A Spring Stroll in the City by Cathy Goldberg Fishman with illustrations by Melanie Hall
Take a stroll through the city in springtime and experience the sights, sounds, colors, and smells of the multitude of different holidays we celebrate this season. From St. Patrick’s Day and Easter to Nowruz and Cinco de Mayo, everyone has a reason to celebrate. With simple rhymes, a counting pattern, and stunning papercraft art reminiscent of Ezra Jack Keats, this diverse board book is the perfect introduction to the cultural melting pot that makes the city so special.
Spring Parade by Camelia Kay with art by Allyn Howard
A playful and vibrant ode to the arrival of spring in all its glory. Here comes spring! March along with Mama and Baby Bunny as they welcome a festive parade of budding flowers and blossoming trees, new birds, butterflies and bees, and all of their beloved friends, emerging from the winter season.
First Notes of Spring by Jessica Kulekjian and illustrated by Jennifer Bower
Juniper can't wait to audition for the First Notes of Spring, the orchestra that melts away winter and wakes up spring with its melodies. With her strong sticks, thumpity toadstool, and rowdy rhythms, she plays with all her might. BOOMEY-BOOM-BOOM! But Mr. Moose says there's no room in the band for her loud percussion skills. Juniper is heartbroken until she discovers other tappers, clappers, and noisemakers in the woods. As they parade through the forest playing music together, they learn that maybe their song can wake spring too.
Spring Stinks: A Little Bruce Book by Ryan T. Higgins
When cheerful Ruth the rabbit tries to share with grumpy Bruce the bear the wonderful smells of spring, they discover that spring stinks.
Busy Spring: Nature Wakes Up by Sean Taylor & Alex Morss with illustrations by Cinyee Chiu
After a long sleepy winter, the trees, flowers, and animals are getting ready for a busy spring. Discover all the different ways nature wakes up when spring arrives in this story of a family exploring their garden.
Birds are singing and everyone is sneezing because spring is here! The Spring Book captures a variety of moments that encompasses this season. From rolling down hills or dancing in the rain to celebrating mothers and honoring heroes everywhere, Todd Parr shows readers with simplicity and universal accessibility the delights of spring.
Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring by Kenard Pak
As days stretch longer, animals creep out from their warm dens, and green begins to grow again, everyone knows--spring is on its way! Join a boy and his dog as they explore nature and take a stroll through the countryside, greeting all the signs of the coming season. In a series of conversations with everything from the melting brook to chirping birds, they say goodbye to winter and welcome the lushness of spring.
Spring in the Woods by Sue Tarsky and illustrated by Claire Lordon
Join the fun of finding and counting all the animals, flowers, and insects, as more and more appear on a lively walk through the woods during the springtime. Packed with repetition that young children love and that also helps them learn, this is an entertaining introduction to colors, numbers, and the seasons.
Abracadabra! It's Spring! by Anne Sibley O'Brien and illustrated by Susan Gal
Winter turns to spring in this lyrical book that celebrates the magic of nature and the changing seasons. Eleven gatefolds open to re-create the excitement and surprise of spring’s arrival, revealing what happens when snow melts, trees bud, flowers bloom, birds arrive, and eggs and cocoons hatch. Finally, it’s warm enough to pack away winter clothes and go out and play!
- Non-Fiction Titles for Even More Learning
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Spectacular Spring by Bruce Goldstone
Spring is a season of beginnings, from blooming flowers to active animals. People spend more time outdoors, days grow longer, and umbrellas pop open as the weather shifts from snow to rain. There's so much to see and do in spring—and this book will prepare you for all of it! With vivid photographs, lively explanations, and creative craft ideas, Bruce Goldstone presents all the fascinating facts that make spring so spectacular.
Spring is Special by Cari Meister and illustrated by Jim Lingenfelter
It's spring, and the grass is turning green. It's time for planting. But do you know how farmers plant? Or what animals do during spring? What fun can you have on a warm or a rainy spring day?
People in Spring by Martha E.H. Rustad
In spring, people plant seeds in gardens. Students have their last weeks of school. See how everyone celebrates this special season.
Weather in Spring by Martha E.H. Rustad
In spring, snow melts and the sun shines bright. Rain showers and storms arrive. See how the weather in spring changes.
Animals in Spring by Martha E.H. Rustad
In spring, young animals are born. Some animals wake up from long winter slumbers. Others migrate from winter homes to summer homes. See how animals come to life in the spring season.
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Title descriptions adapted from publishers or goodreads.com.