Five Children's Books About Spring with Characters of Color
The onset of spring feels like the first spring to ever spring after a winter spent in quarantine. I don’t know about you, but we’re still slogging our way through virtual school. The longer, warmer days mean that my little ones can at least spend more time outside after the school day ends. They can be out of the house. Not making a mess. Away from me. Thank you, spring.
I do feel a little bitter mixed with the sweet as spring also marks my youngest’s birthday which means I’m growing closer and closer to the time when I won’t have anyone who actually wants me to sit down with them before bed and read a book. This realization has had me (frantically) searching for books to read before bed and throughout the day.
I try as often as possible to find Black children’s books and books with characters of color so that my children can see themselves reflected everywhere in the realm of human experience. Playful and serious, athletic and academic, urban and rural, nearby and abroad. I want them to know that there is no place they can’t go and nothing they can’t be.
We’ve added these five children’s books about spring with characters of color to our reading list and are sharing the list with you. Hopefully, you’ll find something you would like to read to your little ones.
All About Weather: A First Weather Book for Kids
Huda Harajli
Age 3-5
Welcome to the wonderful world of weather! From the warm, balmy days of summer to the cold, crisp nights of winter, kids will learn all about the four seasons, as well as how clouds form, why it rains, what causes a rainbow, and so much more. Read along and wow your child with the meteorological magic that’s happening around them every day.
Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring
Kenard Pak
Age 4-8
As days stretch longer, animals creep out from their warm dens, and green begins to grow again, everyone knows―spring is on its way! Join a boy and his dog as they explore nature and take a stroll through the countryside, greeting all the signs of the coming season. In a series of conversations with everything from the melting brook to chirping birds, they say goodbye to winter and welcome the lushness of spring.
Festival of Colors
Surishtha Sehgal and Kabir Sehgal
Illustrated by Vashti Harrison
Age 2-8
Spring is here, and it’s almost time for Holi, the Indian Festival of Colors. Siblings Mintoo and Chintoo are busy gathering flowers to make into colorful powders to toss during the festival. And when at last the big day comes, they gather with their friends, family, and neighbors for a vibrant celebration of fresh starts, friendship, forgiveness, and, of course, fun!
Get a Hit, Mo! (Mo Jackson)
David A. Adler
Age 6-7
This book features one of spring’s favorite pastimes- baseball! We also loved Don’t Throw it to Mo in this series so we definitely had to add this to our spring reading list. Baseball season has arrived and Mo is all set to play with his team, the Lions. But Mo always bats last, and he always plays right field—and no balls ever come to right field. Will Mo ever get his chance to help the Lions win?
Bear's Springtime Book of Hidden Things (A Search and Find Adventure)
Gergely Dudás
Age 4-8
(Note: This book doesn’t actually feature characters of color but it’s said to be a Where’s Waldo for the next generation and who could pass that up?) Bear is tired of the cold, dark winter—he’s going out to hunt for spring! He puts on his rain boots and splashes his way across town, searching for frogs at the pond, baby chicks at the botanical garden, and grasshoppers in the meadow. Can YOU help Bear find springtime treasures?