Spring is finally here! Annisha Jeffries, youth services manager at Cleveland Public Library, has some great book recommendations to help your child connect with nature.
Bloom Boom!
by April Pulley Sayre
This book features vibrant photography that showcases the blooming of flowers in spring. The simple and rhythmic text makes it perfect for very young readers.
The Bear’s Garden
by Marcie Colleen and Illustrated by Alison Oliver
This picture book is inspired by the true story of a community garden in Brooklyn, New York. It tells the tale of a little girl who nurtures a garden in an unexpected place and shares its bounty with her community.
The Great Garden Escape
by Sara Pennypacker, Illustrated by Jon Klassen
In this engaging story, a group of children discovers a magical garden that’s hidden and locked away. They embark on a daring plan to restore the garden to its former glory, learning about teamwork and the environment.
Willa the Wisp
by Jonathan Auxier
(The Fabled Stables Series)
This is the first book in a series that features Auggie, a young caretaker of magical creatures. In this adventure, Auggie must rescue Willa the Wisp from a dark forest, introducing readers to a world where compassion and understanding can overcome fear.
Seedfolks
by Paul Fleischman and illustrated by Judy Pedersen
This novel follows the journey of thirteen characters who come from diverse backgrounds as they collaborate to establish a community garden on a vacant city lot. The book highlights the garden’s growth and the individuals involved, emphasizing how a shared project can unite a community.
Here are some spring reading tips for all ages:
Interactive Reading. For younger children, make reading interactive by asking them to predict what might happen next or encouraging them to describe what they see in the illustrations.
Connect with Nature. Use these books as a springboard to explore nature. After reading, consider planting a small garden or going on a nature walk to spot signs of spring.
Creative Projects. Encourage older children to start a journal about their observations of the changing seasons or to write a short story inspired by one of the books.
—Cleveland Public LIbrary, cpl.org