The days are getting longer and there’s the sweet smell of blossoms in the air. Here are some beautiful picture books to help bring in this budding season of the year. They are good for ages three to seven unless otherwise indicated.
Chicka Chicka Peep Peep by Julien Chung is based on the classic Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. Upon opening the book, you immediately see a brightly colorful alphabet. The digital colors are vibrant on every page, featuring bunnies, eggs, and of course letters, a fun way to learn the alphabet.
Nature for Kids: Discover More Than 100 Illustrated Plants, Animals, and Insects in North America by Todd Trelander offers an extraordinary look into the natural world, with bright pictures of birds, butterflies, plants, and more, each paired with kid-friendly descriptions. The pages are filled with engaging information without overwhelming young readers, and it is best suited for ages seven and up.
Welcome Spring! by Apryl Stott is a gorgeously painted story filled with detailed blossoms, butterflies, and cheerful moments. Bunny asks each animal she encounters how they welcome spring, and the story is brought to life through delicate watercolor and digital ink illustrations.
Tiny Worlds by Brittany Cicchese follows a young boy at his grandmother’s house who notices the small details around him. His imagination transforms pebbles into boulders, weeds into trees, and spider webs into swings, all depicted through beautiful digital illustrations that create a vivid, immersive scene.
Eco: The Little Electric Taxi by Deb Adamson, illustrated by Patrick Corrigan, recalls the spirit of a classic tale. When a small taxi and driver encounter a traffic jam caused by a family of ducks, they step in to help solve the problem in a warm and engaging way.
A Bear, A Man, and a Donut Van by Daniel Bernstrom, illustrated by Brandon James Scott, is the third humorous adventure featuring Bear. When he discovers a van full of aromatic donuts and climbs inside, the man soon spots him in the rearview mirror, sparking a wildly fun and chaotic chase.
The Weedy Garden by Margaret Renkl, illustrated by Billy Renkl using mixed media and collage, celebrates every part of a thriving garden. Each spread is richly detailed with flowers, animals, and textures that feel almost alive, inviting readers to linger on every page.
Year Round by Audrey Helen Weber celebrates the seasons with poetic language and vivid imagery. Each season is beautifully personified, with spring showcasing butterflies, growth, and gentle movement through bright gouache and acrylic artwork.
Tiny Garden by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Jax Chow with gouache, watercolor, colored pencil, and collage, tells a gentle story of Andrew nurturing a garden that soon becomes a home for many small creatures. The illustrations seem to glow from the page, drawing readers into the quiet magic of growth.
Buzz by Richard “Bugman” Jones, illustrated by Sara Boccaccini Meadows, is an engaging and informative book for ages seven through adult. It explores fifteen fascinating bugs and their unique survival skills through detailed, beautiful artwork that complements the accessible and informative text.
