Anyone living in the Midwest or the Northeastern United States should understand the reason I chose this perfect picture book for today. If there’s any doubt, a very recent picture of some very sad pansies (before a snow blanket covered them) will show you why!
Title: When Spring Comes
Written By: Kevin Henkes
Illustrated By: Laura Dronzek
Publisher/date: Greenwillow Books, February 9, 2016
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes/Topics: Seasons, spring, weather, nature, waiting
Opening: “Before Spring comes, the trees look like black sticks against the sky. But if you wait, Spring will bring leaves and blossoms.”
Brief Synopsis: In lyrical language accompanied by vibrant illustrations, this book describes the change from winter to spring.
Links to Resources: As the seasons change,
- draw what you see outside a window. What color is the grass? Are there leaves on the tree? Do you see flowers? What colors are they?
- Take a walk and look for signs of spring.
- Prepare for spring by planting seeds indoors (or outdoors if the snow has melted and the ground isn’t frozen). Tomatoes, cucumbers and marigolds are happy to start indoors and get transplanted outdoors. Sunflowers, beets and onions like to start and finish in one place.
- There are so many springtime crafts! Try a thumbprint hyacinth or a birds’ nest collage
Why I Like this Book: This quiet concept book captures not only the sights, sounds, smells and feel of Spring, but the sense of anticipation for the earth’s rebirth. With a refrain of “If you wait” repeated throughout the book, the reader and listener are drawn into the change of seasons. The bright and simple illustrations complement the lyrical text and focus on aspects of spring that will delight children. The publisher recommends When Spring Comes for ages 4-8; I think younger children will enjoy it, too.
This Perfect Picture Book entry is being added to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Books list. Check out the other great picture books featured there!
Wander, Ponder, Write 
I love quiet books. So appropriate for children right now as we enter into spring. Spring is so close, even though we’ve had snow flurries that past two days.
I love quiet books, too. I think that’s why I like so many of those you review!
I don’t read enough of these quieter books to my K students. Thanks for the recommendation!
You are most welcome!
What a perfect pick for today. My daffodils were destroyed by freezing rain this week, but I have hope for the rest of my garden. Thanks.
I’m crossing fingers that the pansies revive. The daffodils are drooping, but still blooming. I just hope fruit trees don’t lose their blossoms.
This book is sweet. A great one for spring! Thanks for the review.
Thanks for stopping by!
Haven’t read this one but if I do, will spring come?! Henkes writes such wonderful books. On my list.
Keila, I can’t guarantee that spring will arrive any earlier if you read the book, but it will help you forget about the wintry weather.
Kevin Henkes is such a gifted storyteller for the very young, isn’t he?
Agreed!