Spring is in the air! What better time is there to learn about the arrival of new life than in this glowing period, when the world warms and brightens after a long, cold winter. Enjoy these delightful books to celebrate Spring!
babies/tots
Find Out About Animal Babies
By Martin Jenkins
Illustrated by Jane McGuinness
Candlewick, 2022, $17.99
Spring brings baby animals of all colors and sizes, and here’s a book that not only features young blue whales, cuckoo birds and frogs but “grows” along with the developing tot. Each double-page spread includes a primary narrative with very few words — perfect for babies and little ones — and sidebars of information that will appeal to older youngsters curious to know more. Mixed-media art provides additional visual details while also being expressive and entertaining.
ages 4 – 7
Ablaze with Color
By Jeanne Walker Harvey
Illustrated by Loveis Wise
Harper, 2022, $18.99
Acclaimed Washington, D.C. painter Alma Thomas is celebrated in this lyrical picture book biography, with bright, stylized illustrations that echo Thomas’s own lifelong fascination with color. Author Jeanne Walker Harvey tells us that as a child, “Alma wanted to make things, things that she could hold” — and then demonstrates Thomas’s many experiences in the art world, including puppets and theater, gardening, painting and teaching in D.C. public schools. This lovely book is perfect for March which is Women’s History Month — and any time your family wants to honor joy and creativity.
ages 8 – 12
Behold Our Magical Garden
By Allan Wolf
Illustrated by Daniel Duncan
Candlewick, 2022, $18.99
The increasing number of schools with gardens across the country, is testimony to how much kids like to plant and harvest — and how much they learn about healthy food choices, cooking and science in the process. Author Allan Wolf chronicles the changing tasks and seasons in a school garden in 32 poems, which include the playful poem for two voices, “Water Lines,” and the reflective “Outside in Our Winter Garden.”
The View from the Very Best House in Town
By Meera Trehan
Penguin Random House, 2022, $17.99
Sam and Asha are best friends — until a fascinating house and its child inhabitant comes between them in this compelling debut novel by Maryland author Meera Trehan. With sensitivity and humor, Trehan explores the constantly shifting dynamics of middle-school friendships, honoring both the tug of loyalty and the desire for change.
“Let’s Play Outside”
By Pat Rumbaugh of Takoma Park, Md., founder of the play advocacy organization TakomaPlays!
Photographs by Daniel Nakamura, owner of Booth-o-Rama Photobooth, which serves the Washington, D.C. metro region. He lives in Silver Spring, Md.
There’s no better way for children to embrace new experiences and grow with healthy bodies and curious minds than by getting outside and playing! Featuring bright photos of children from mixed backgrounds and abilities in motion, “Let’s Play Outside” will inspire young ones everywhere to get outside and play in their surroundings. Author and play expert Pat Rumbaugh offers helpful resources to promote successful play, including suggested activities, play locations and rules. Available at Star Bright Books, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million and Bookshop.org.
Related
Books That Celebrate Hearts & Black History
Books to Celebrate Earth Day and National Poetry Month
