Books by Theme
Spring is in the air and with it comes a bit of magic. Seeds begin to poke open, gardens teem with activity, birds abound. Read about these and other signs of a new season and perhaps become inspired to dance, look around, or even begin a spring garden!
A girl tells readers about the birds she sees around her, describing size and color in spare, almost lyrical language. Richly colored paintings accompany the text to enhance and build the concepts presented in the narrative.
Even an Ostrich Needs a Nest: Where Birds Begin
Birds live all over the world, but their nests come in many sizes, shapes, and some even borrow (or snitch) homes in which to lay and hatch their young. This lively introduction to various birds and their habits will likely absorb, inform, and inspire.
Katy Duck Is a Caterpillar
Katy Duck loved to dance through each season but was especially excited about the spring recital: "A show to celebrate spring!" Though Katy is disappointed with her assignment, she blossoms as a lowly caterpillar in this recognizable and humorous tale.
Oh, What a Beautiful Day! A Counting Book
Soft illustrations reveal the animals seen as an imaginative young girl walks home to her parents. Using alliterative language, she counts from one prancing pig to ten loving llamas, and feels a part of it all.
Plants have secrets: within each seed, large or small, is a new plant. Highly detailed but crisp, well-placed illustrations reveal the life cycle of plants and provides an easy introduction to seeds — just in time for spring gardens!
Quiet in the Garden
A child goes quietly out to the garden where he can almost hear the creatures respond to his curiosity about their actions. The narrator then gathers food for a picnic with "my friends." Suggestions for making a "quiet garden" conclude this tranquil book.
The Boy Who Didn't Believe in Spring
A boy named King Shabazz doesn't believe in spring. With his friend, Tony Polito, King Shabazz explores their gritty city neighborhood and discovers that spring does exist even in an unlikely place.
The Curious Garden
Liam discovers that he can help his dreary city blossom into a green place that draws everyone out onto rooftops and beyond. Stylized illustrations depict the city's gradual change from drab to lush and may encourage other young urban gardeners.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar: Pop-Up Book
In honor of the very hungry and eternally popular caterpillar's 40th anniversary, a stunning new edition brings it to life again. With each page turn, engineered illustrations literally and dramatically pop off the page. Though not for the youngest, this beautifully engineered book is sure to delight and amaze.
Thea, a student in Topeka, Kansas, observes the growth of the three unusual beans she plants for her science project. A series of letters to various experts chronicles the unusual vegetation that develops — though readers will see the giant beanstalk for the tale it is.
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