Ten Books for Spring

Something peculiar is going on in the village of Mud Flat today. Mr. Duffy has disappeared in a puff of green smoke, and Brian woke up with his head on backward. Doris is greeted by a singing tree, and poor Lila sniffs a rose that promptly squirts her in the eye. What is this strange brand of spring fever?

For fans of these famous amphibians, this story continues Frog and Toad’s saga and gives a glimpse of what the two friends are up to all year long. They frolic together over four seasons, with a story for each, plus one for Christmas. Glide down the snow-covered hill with Toad, hunt for spring with Frog, and discover just who is hiding under all that melted chocolate ice cream.

Every spring, butterflies emerge and dazzle the world with their vibrant beauty. But where do butterflies come from? How are they born? What do they eat — and how? With a simple, rhyming text and glorious color-drenched collage, Lois Ehlert provides clear answers to these and other questions as she follows the life cycle of four common butterflies. Complete with flower facts and identification tips, as well as a guide to planting a butterfly garden, this butterfly book is like no other.

Charlie’s sheep keep nibbling on his cloak, and now it’s all tattered and torn. So, he shears his sheep, cards and spins the wool, weaves and dyes the cloth, and sews a beautiful new red cloak to keep him warm when winter comes.

For Ms. Splinter, the second grade field trip to the circus provides a chance for serious learning. Not so for inquisitive, bold Emeline who explores the circus in unforgettable ways to the delight of the other students and to her teacher’s horror. Humor abounds, and watercolor and line illustrations complement the understated, surprisingly informative text.

Olivia remembers her trip to the circus very well. The performers were out sick, so she had to do everything. Step into the ring with Olivia, where the lights are dim, the color soft, and a little girl’s imagination is the main attraction.

The animal residents of Mud Flat find Spring both beautiful and surprising.

Mother duck needs help to find her mischievous missing duckling in this Caldecott Honor Book. She asks the other pond animals for help (though the missing one is never lost, only cleverly concealed in each picture).

Try as he might, Mr. McGreely cannot outwit three clever and hungry rabbits as they feast on his vegetable garden — muncha, muncha, muncha! But there’s always something to be grateful for as both the gardener and the rabbits learn in this funny, alliterative tale.