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I think we all know by now that I have a serious love for children’s literature. I am a children’s author myself, and I LOVE to create lists of picture books that fit themes, like seasons, character traits, and topics. Spring picture books are always some of my favorites because here in Chicagoland, we have super distinct seasons, and sharing the joy of spring after cold winters is so fun. Can you tell that’s my love language?! When my passion for picture books and my love for social emotional learning align, my heart skips a beat. I compiled a list of 9 beautiful spring picture books with an SEL focus. Check out the links and read the description to see which CASEL competencies each book focuses on!
And Then it’s Spring by Julie Fogliano
This cute spring picture book is so relatable for students who experience winter where they live! If you teach in a warm climate area (lucky you!) this would be a great window into a different life experience. This book dives into self awareness as a boy and his dog decide they are absolutely sick and tired of the weather and begin to wait for spring to arrive.
Flower Garden by Eve Bunting
This text dives into the life of a family in an urban setting, as a girl and her dad surprise the girl’s mom with a window box of flowers for her birthday. I love how it shows that gardens can look different all over, but that regardless of what they look like, they are a staple in spring! This can bring about wonderful conversations surrounding social awareness.
Spring is Here by Will Hillenbrand
This is the cutest spring picture book that really captures the essence of relationship skills. Mole can smell that spring is here, but his friend Bear is still sleeping. This is such a sweet way to analyze Mole’s actions as a friend as he prepares and creates experiences for his friend when he wakes up.
How the Crayons Saved the Rainbow by Monica Sweeney
Rainbows are always such a clear sign of spring with the collision of rain and sunshine together. This book tackles relationship skills and responsible decision making as the crayons navigate conflict with one another. Despite the challenges they face, the crayons do show teamwork and perseverance which can lead to really fruitful lessons for students.
Bunny with a Big Heart by Zoe Waring
This is a very light-hearted and cute spring picture book about a bunny preparing for spring to arrive. This would be an excellent way to discuss her character traits as it’s evident that she is an excellent friend to her woodland buddies. What makes her a great friend? How would you describe her? This is a simple read that gets to the heart of relationship skills and how our attitudes and outlooks affect our friendships.
My Friend Earth by Patricia MacLachlan
There are so many spring picture books that focus on Earth Day and environmentalism, but this one has become a favorite of mine. This book can share the importance of social awareness tied to the environment, as well as responsible decision making every day of the year, not just Earth Day, can affect how our Earth functions. I love the illustrations as there are cut outs, flaps, etc. to keep the book engaging for all learners.
The Wonder of Thunder by Sharon Purtill
Thunder is often seen as a scary part of spring time. This spring picture book teaches about thunder in such a tangible way that can be super beneficial for kids who are often afraid of it! This unique book shares why thunder is fascinating and an important part of weather and nature, and that when we learn more about it, it makes it less frightening. This book can be paired with lessons on self management in teaching kids how to address fears in a more logical way.
Seeds and Trees by Brandon Walden
This spring picture book is very deep and one that is truly unforgettable. As we often plant seeds in spring time, this book makes connections to the power of our words and relationships and how they are like seeds. This is a great parallel to bullying, negative relationships, and how being self aware and making tough but responsible decisions is essential in growing up strong.
The Storm by Victoria Harris
This sweet book is a great connection to The Wonder of Thunder (shared above), as these forest friends navigate big feelings and powerful emotions as they face big storms. If you are working on emotion literacy, emotion intelligence, and coping skills, this book would be a perfect tie in to those lessons on self management.
What do you think? Any of these making it to your spring read aloud list?
