4 delightful spring stories
Forest bakeries, baby bunnies, birthday picnics in the English countryside and the wonders of spring through a child's eyes--these seasonal reads are magical.
If you enjoy the cottage-core vibe of Brambly Hedge, Angelina Ballerina and Peter Rabbit, you will likely enjoy watching “Britain’s Hidden Villages” as much as I did. Tour various villages in the British countryside, learn what makes them special, and feel as though you are journeying through an idyllic Pinterest board. The series is only three episodes, but each one is pure delight!
And if you want to bring your children into the cozy cottage vibes too, I highly recommend the second and fourth books on our family’s current spring reading list below. (Although, frankly, all of the books on this list feel like a lovely breath of fresh spring air on a slow, sunny day.)
And as a fun coincidence, the author of each book on this list also illustrated their book. How cool!
Recipe: 3-ingredient bagels (I love that these are packed with protein. And if you are gluten free, you can easily make these with gluten-free all-purpose flour. They are 10 times better than any store-bought gluten-free bagel I’ve ever had!)
Easy way to be a fun mom: Serve a snack-plate lunch. We do this whenever we’re low on groceries as a way to clean out the fridge and pantry. Grab a cupcake pan and fill each well with raw veggies, cheese sticks, crackers, pretzels, cut-up fruit—any type of finger food. It’s the easiest lunch, yet my kids go crazy for it!
Fun read: “How to embrace slow decorating”
"The very best interiors tell a story and evolve over time … The hunt is part of the process and, for me, the most enjoyable part. There's something gratifying about searching for that one special object and knowing you’re going to love it just as many years from now as you did the day you found it."
“When Spring Comes” written and illustrated by Ekaterina Trukhan
This is a sweet read for the toddler set! Experience the wonder and magic of spring through a child’s eyes as the book’s main character discovers the animals, flowers, trees and traditions that make this season special.
The pastel illustrations are soft and tender and give little ones lots to study and ponder as they compare their experiences to the text. (The greenhouse on the gardening page prompted many questions from my three- and five-year olds: “What is it? When can the flowers get planted outside? How hot is it in there? Can I go in one?”)
Recommended age: 2 - 5 years
“Chirri and Chirra” written and illustrated by Kaya Doi, translated by Yuki Kaneko
This book is a delight! It’s part of a series, and though I haven’t read any others yet, I can’t wait to get my hands on them.
Two little girls ride their bikes through the forest, where they discover a forest cafe that serves acorn coffee and clover blossom tea, a bakery with bread and jam of all kinds and colors, and a forest hotel that has rooms and beds “just the right size for them.” Reading this is a like a beautiful daydream and warm hug rolled into one.
Recommended age: 3 - 8 years
“Rabbits and Raindrops” written and illustrated by Jim Arnosky
In all honesty, I picked up this book because of the cute name and beautiful illustrations, and it does not disappoint. A mother rabbit’s five babies are ready to leave the nest, so they spend a day exploring the green lawn around them. After a while, a spring rain begins, and the little bunnies scamper back to their hedge to wait out the weather.
The text is minimal, but so much is happening in the illustrations. Get ready to pore over these beautiful pages.
Recommended age: 2 - 6 years
“Brambly Hedge: Spring Story” written and illustrated by Jill Barklem
Cottage core reaches its peak with the Brambly Hedge books, and they are truly just so delightful. It’s little Wilfred’s birthday, and as his neighbors discover it is his special day, they plan a picnic to celebrate.
With intricate illustrations that make you want to crawl inside them and cuddle up in a well-worn quilt in a soft meadow with a slice of birthday cake, this book is pure delight.
Recommended age: 3 - 6 years
What is your family reading this spring? Please let me know in the comments!
“Sometimes life is so hard you can only do the next thing. Whatever that is, just do the next thing. God will meet you there.” — Elisabeth Elliot
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These spring stories are so adorable! We’ve picked up some great recommendations from you at our local library. You do such a great job of picking whimsical, beautiful stories! My daughter’s current favorite Spring stories are Angelina Ballerina ones. 🥰
Kristin I love your choice of books! These stories are so sweet and perfect for Spring. They're not only fun for kiddos but parents too:)