Why am I passionate about this?

As a child I was always fascinated by nature, especially the way the trees changed throughout the seasons. This may be what stimulated my love of growing and caring for bonsai trees and why I have written many books about the seasons myself. Now as an author, ex-primary school teacher, parent, and grandparent I am aware of the importance of encouraging other children to have this same interest and fascination in nature and the ever-changing seasons. I believe it fosters an awareness of how the world is far bigger than themselves and everything is interconnected. I hope these books will inspire young mind’s love and understanding of the natural world.


I wrote

Book cover of Rabbit's Spring Gift

What is my book about?

Rabbit’s Spring Gift has a theme of sibling rivalry set around the concept of spring. Rabbit wants to give her…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

The books I picked & why

Book cover of Fletcher and the Springtime Blossoms

Anita Loughrey Why did I love this book?

Fletcher and the Springtime Blossoms is a delightful heart-warming tale full of what to expect when the seasons change to spring. You can’t help but smile at Fletcher the Fox who mistakenly thinks the falling blossom is surprising spring snow so warns the other animals that it is going to get cold and the birds should fly south, find shelter, or go back into hibernation. 

This picture book is the ideal mix of a funny, entertaining story and glorious watercolour illustrations that demonstrate how nature is transformed by the changing seasons. I particularly like the double-page spread showing how the woods have been transformed by a blanket of pink and white petals. Great for use in the classroom or reading aloud at home with your child.

By Julia Rawlinson, Tiphanie Beeke (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Fletcher and the Springtime Blossoms as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

“Captivating.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

In this companion to Fletcher and the Falling Leaves and Fletcher and the Snowflake Christmas, Fletcher the fox returns for another seasonal adventure. A perennial favorite for storytime sharing!

Fletcher enjoys the sunny weather and the warmth of spring. But when he stumbles across snowy flakes gently floating to the ground, he spreads the news of winter’s return to all his friends. But spring is full of wonderful surprises for Fletcher and his friends.

The Fletcher books are enjoyable picture books for sharing at home or in the classroom and are perfect for units on…


Book cover of Abracadabra, It's Spring!

Anita Loughrey Why did I love this book?

Abracadabra, It's Spring! shows seasonal magic at its height. The charming rhymes and lyrical nature of the text transports the readers on a magical journey of seasonal changes. Each page opens out to double the size by the addition of beautifully illustrated pull-out flaps. This is a great picture book for young children as it visually shows how the winter snow magically melts away to reveal the thrill and wonder of spring’s arrival.

I particularly like how it provides opportunities to discuss bird migration and the life cycle of birds and butterflies. You can also have fun brainstorming all the different activities they can do during the spring when the weather gets warmer. A great addition to a spring-themed bookshelf.

By Anne Sibley O'Brien, Susan Gal (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Abracadabra, It's Spring! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Sun shines on a patch of snow.
Hocus pocus!
Where did it go? Winter turns to spring in this lyrical book that celebrates the magic of nature and the changing seasons. Eleven gatefolds open to re-create the excitement and surprise of spring's arrival, revealing what happens when snow melts, trees bud, flowers bloom, birds arrive and eggs and cocoons hatch. Finally, it's warm enough to pack away winter clothes and go out and play!


Ad

Book cover of The Constant Tower

The Constant Tower By Carole McDonnell,

This is a multicultural epic fantasy with a diverse cast of characters. Sickly fifteen-year-old Prince Psal, the son of warrior-king Nahas, should have been named Crown Prince of all Wheel Clan lands. But his clan disdains the disabled.

When the mysterious self-moving towers that keep humans safe from the Creator's…

Book cover of Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring

Anita Loughrey Why did I love this book?

The unique style of this picture book is a pleasure to read aloud. You can use different voices as the young boy walks through the countryside with his dog and says goodbye to each of the signs of winter and then how the seasons reply. In effect, you get this wonderful conversation between nature and the boy from the birds chirping in the branches, to the ice melting on the babbling brook.

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring is the ideal book for highlighting the dramatic contrasts between the season of winter and spring. The perfect choice for a fun storytime themed around the seasons.

By Kenard Pak,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

As days stretch longer, animals creep out from their warm dens, and green begins to grow again. Everyone knows - spring is on its way!

Join a boy and his dog as they explore nature and take a stroll through the countryside, greeting all the signs of the coming season. In a series of conversations with everything from the melting brook to chirping birds, they say goodbye to winter and welcome the lushness of spring.


Book cover of Little Bear's Spring

Anita Loughrey Why did I love this book?

Little Bear's Spring is an inspired picture book about friendship that emerges from the unlikeliest of things. When Little Bear wakes up from his long winter sleep he discovers everywhere is covered by a blanket of snow and is eerily quiet. He feels alone and afraid. You can’t help but go Ahhhh when Little Bear picks up a small pebble which he thinks is just as alone as he is. He clutches it tightly in his paw and sets off on this heart-warming adventure in search of friends.

You can really identify with Little Bear as he wonders at the magnificent changes the seasons have on his environment. This caring picture book is a celebration of how amazing the natural world is.

By Elli Woollard, Briony May Smith,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Little Bear's Spring as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 2, 3, 4, and 5.

What is this book about?

Little Bear's Spring is a glorious reminder for children and adults of just how wonderful the natural world is, and that, sometimes, the unlikeliest of friendships are the best kind.

Little Bear has just woken up from his long winter sleep. But when he pokes his head out of the den, the world around him is vast, white and silent. The only thing he sees is a smooth little stone, just as alone in the snowy wilderness as he is. He nestles it in tight to his fur and off they go in search of friends.

Little Bear's Spring is…


Ad

Book cover of Aftermath: Into the Unknown

Aftermath By Lena Gibson,

Robin dreamed of attending Yale and using her brain. Kory lived on the streets of Seattle and relied on his brawn. Without the asteroid, they never would have met.

For three years, Robin and her grandfather have been hiding, trusting no one. When a biker gang moves into town, Robin…

Book cover of The Busy Busy Day

Anita Loughrey Why did I love this book?

The Busy Busy Day is a lovely picture book that gently allows the children to discover for themselves the different indications that spring has arrived. I like the way it highlights the importance of caring for and appreciating nature even if it is in our own back garden. 

The illustrations are beautiful. I am always in awe of Daniel Howarth’s illustrations and have been lucky enough for him to have illustrated some of my own books. The clever way he illustrates the different characters showing their emotions makes them come to life on the page. You can laugh along with the children as Ginger the Cat and Floppy the Rabbit get into a muddle whilst gardening.

By Claire Freedman, Daniel Howarth (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Busy Busy Day as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Explore my book 😀

Book cover of Rabbit's Spring Gift

What is my book about?

Rabbit’s Spring Gift has a theme of sibling rivalry set around the concept of spring. Rabbit wants to give her mum a thank you gift, but her brother tries to out-do her at every turn. The book intertwines family relationships and the changing seasons.

At the back of the book there are seasonal activities, crafts and discussion points to help develop a child’s understanding of the natural world. Rabbit’s Spring Gift can be used in schools, nurseries, and at home to support topics on the seasons and animals. The gorgeous illustrations give the perfect ahhh-factor.

Book cover of Fletcher and the Springtime Blossoms
Book cover of Abracadabra, It's Spring!
Book cover of Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,605

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 You might also like…

Book cover of From Cells to Ourselves: The Story of Evolution

From Cells to Ourselves By Gill Arbuthnott, Chris Nielsen (illustrator),

4.5 billion years ago, Earth was forming - but nothing could have survived there…

From Cells to Ourselves is the incredible story of how life on earth started and how it gradually evolved from the first simple cells to the abundance of life around us today. Walk with dinosaurs, analyse…

Book cover of Stormwalker Series Connections In Time Bain's Story Book 1

Stormwalker Series Connections In Time Bain's Story Book 1 By S.G. Boudreaux,

Finding Family, Discovery, Destiny. This is what nineteen-year-old Bain Brinley is searching for.

In his homeland, far in the mountains, he stepped into what he could only describe as a time-portal and landed in a strange land known as Egypt. Then he falls through another portal during a storm, only…

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in spring, gardening, and winter?

Spring 9 books
Gardening 88 books
Winter 23 books