The Best Picture Books to Celebrate Spring

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I can’t believe spring is here. It is so wonderful hearing the birds at my window again first thing in the morning! I love driving around town and seeing all the flowers and trees blooming! It is a beautiful time of the year. I also love spring because it reminds me of new beginnings and new growth.

When my children were young I loved to bring seasonal books out to celebrate all the new seasons or holidays. I have put together a beautiful list of books to help you and your little ones bring in the springtime!

Spring Picture Books

Plant the Tiny Seed by Christie Matheson

How does a garden grow? In this fun follow-up to Tap the Magic Tree and Touch the Brightest Star, young readers can discover how tiny seeds turn into vibrant flowers. By tapping, clapping, waving, and more, children can join in on the action! Christie Matheson combines the beauty of nature with an interactive reading experience.

Available as a board book

At the end, there’s a page filled with fun facts about seeds, flowers, and the insects and animals featured in the book. Fans of Eric Carle, Lois Ehlert, and Press Here will find their new favorite in Plant the Tiny Seed.

Rain by Sam Usher

I love Sam Usher’s books. The seasonal ones are just beautiful with the illustrations.

Sam is excited to play in the rain, but Grandad asks him to wait. When the rain finally clears and they head out to mail a letter, they discover an unexpected adventure right at their doorstep.

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring by Kenard Pak

As the days grow longer, animals emerge from their cozy hideaways and the world slowly turns green again—there’s no doubt that spring is coming!

Follow a young boy and his dog as they wander through the countryside, discovering the many signs of the new season. Along the way, they chat with melting brooks, singing birds, and other signs of nature, saying farewell to winter and happily welcoming spring’s arrival.

When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes

In this stunning picture book, Caldecott Medalist and Newbery Honor winner Kevin Henkes uses vivid language, repetition, and alliteration to gently teach young readers about words and the changing seasons. Paired with Laura Dronzek’s rich, colorful illustrations, the story beautifully captures the shift from quiet winter to the lively days of spring.

Before spring arrives, the trees are bare, the grass is dull, and snow blankets the ground. But if you’re patient, things begin to change—buds bloom, grass turns green, and snow slowly disappears. Spring brings baby birds, growing plants, puddles, and the smell of fresh rain. You can see it, hear it, feel it—and even read about it!

Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

I just love Robert McCloskey’s books. I have the best memories reading his work to my children and the illustrations are just divine! It wouldn’t be a good spring list without Make Way for Ducklings.

Mrs. Mallard knew the pond in Boston’s Public Garden would be the perfect home for her and her eight ducklings. But when the busy city streets prove too dangerous for them to cross alone, some kind-hearted police officers step in to help guide them to safety.

This classic picture book tells the heartwarming story of a devoted duck family and their journey to find a safe place to live. With themes of love, teamwork, and kindness, it’s a touching reminder that even in tough times, there’s always help—and hope—to be found.

The Curious Garden by Peter Brown

This New York Times bestselling modern classic, from the creator of The Wild Robot and Mr. Tiger Goes Wild, explores the theme of caring for the environment in a city setting.

It all starts with a boy named Liam, who finds a small, struggling garden while out exploring. He decides to nurture it—and slowly, that little patch of green begins to spread, bringing life and color back to the gray, dreary city.

This is a heartwarming story of hope and change. Plus, sharp-eyed readers can spot red-headed Liam hidden somewhere on every page, adding a fun seek-and-find twist to this lovely picture book.

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Blue on Blue by Dianne White

Experience the magic of a wild rainstorm in this beautifully poetic picture book, brought to life by a Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator.

Follow a farm family as they take in every moment of a powerful seaside storm—from the gusty winds and first raindrops to the heavy downpour and the muddy fun that comes when the sun finally shines again.

With soft, rhyming language and stunning illustrations, this book turns a stormy day into a joyful tribute to the rhythms of nature

The Gardener by Sarah Stewart

The Gardener was named a Notable Children’s Book by The New York Times Book Review in 1997 and received a Caldecott Honor in 1998.

This story follows Lydia Grace Finch as she arrives in a gloomy, gray city with a suitcase full of seeds. She moves in with her grumpy Uncle Jim, a baker, and slowly starts to brighten both his bakery and the lives of its customers with the flowers she grows. But her biggest project is a secret rooftop garden—a surprise she hopes will bring a smile to even Uncle Jim’s face.

Water is Water by Miranda Paul

Drip. Sip. Pour a glass. Water stays water—until it changes.

Spin. Rise. Watch it twist. Steam stays steam—until it cools.

This simple, poetic picture book follows a group of kids experiencing the many forms water can take. From rain and fog to snow and mist, author Miranda Paul and award-winning illustrator Jason Chin (known for Redwoods, Coral Reefs, Island, and Gravity) come together to create a beautiful and educational journey through the water cycle. It’s a unique nonfiction book that’s both fun and fascinating—you’ll want to read it again and again.

Outside Your Window: A First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies

This beautifully illustrated book of poems, filled with interesting facts and fun activities, helps spark a love for nature from an early age.

From the hum of bees in the summer to bird footprints in snowy winter, this lovely collection shows a child’s connection with the natural world. Whether it’s planting an acorn, crunching into a fresh apple, exploring tide pools, or simply lying back and watching birds fly by, the book captures nature’s magic. Whether kids live in the city or the countryside, they’ll feel encouraged to discover the world around them.

What is your favorite Spring Picture Book?

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