by Maria Tussing

Created on: May 27, 2008

Rain. Growing things. Baby animals. Blooming flowers. Spring brings to mind a lot of things, and some great books bring spring to mind. Here are some good reads that bring the sights, sounds and feel of spring to paper any time of the year.

1. "Raindrop Plop" by Wendy Cheyette Lewison, Illustrated by Pam Paparone. "One little raindrop, dark, dark sky. Two little raindrops, clouds go by..." In this springy counting book, a little girl counts the raindrops up to ten, then runs inside, "Too many raindrops, run, run, run." The counting starts backwards as she takes a bath, has a snack and watches out the window until, "No more raindrops, sun, sun sun!" The illustrations are colorful and well-done, and the counting is lyrical and rhyming, appealing to small children.

2. "How Groundhog's Garden Grew" by Lynne Cherry. In this story of a groundhog learning to plant, care for and harvest a garden, the illustrations are as lush as his garden. The borders especially are captivating, with realistic sketches of seeds, insects, foliage and flowers elegantly labeled. The text is simple but interesting to readers of all ages, and is detailed enough to give anyone a good idea of the process of planting, growing, harvesting and enjoying garden. This book could be used any time of the year, but it works well to tie it in to the planting stage in the spring.

3. "Lost in the Woods" by Carl R. Sams II and Jean Stoick. The authors and illustrators of "Stranger in the Woods" bring us another brilliantly photographed treasure. In this springtime tale, a fawn is left in the woods as its mother goes in search of food. All the creatures of the forest visit the little critter and offer input and advice. The photography captures various creatures in endearing postures, while the story makes a point that's important for all to remember in the spring-nature is best left to take care of itself.

4. "Momma Will You" by Dori Chacanos, Paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. This softly illustrated book features impressionistic paintings and simple, rhyming text. A little boy explores the springtime farm with his mother and baby sister, all the time asking, "Momma will you..." ride the foal, dress the cat, wash the little pig, etc. The book has a comforting, nostalgic feel and a pleasant rhythm.

5. Zinnia's Flower Garden by Monica Wellington. This book follows Zinna's garden from spring planting through cutting the flowers in the fall. Along the way the simple text is illustrated with a delightful combination of basic artwork and photography.

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