Books about the seasons are a wonderful way to teach littles ones about the world around them. Reading about the characteristics of each season provides the perfect opportunity to practice comparing and contrasting skills and also tap into science elements such as observing trees or using all five senses to describe a season. As an extra bonus, these books have stunning illustrations that will engage and impress readers.
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Turtle Walk by Matt Phelan, 2020
(Ages 2 and up)
This is a sensational story of a family of turtles who emerge on a radiant spring day and begin a trek that crosses through the seasons until they finally reach their destination. The perfectly satisfying ending will have readers smiling and cheering for the lovable turtles. With its warm and inviting illustrations that skillfully capture the beauty of each season, this delightful tale is a good choice for comparing and contrasting spring, fall, winter, and summer.
Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson, 2013
(Ages 3 and up)
This interactive gem invites readers to make leaves and blossoms appear and disappear from a tree by tapping, rubbing, and shaking the book. The engaging elements of this story paired with the enchanting illustrations makes this a magical book indeed!
My Tree And Me: A Book of Seasons by Jo Witek; illustrated by Christine Roussey, 2019
(Ages 3 and up)
Poetic text and playful die-cuts immediately draw readers in to this fabulous read aloud about a girl who befriends a tree. Whether it is quietly listening, providing leaves for projects, or shade for picnics, the tree is an instrumental part of the young girl’s life during each passing season.
I highly recommend all of the books in the Growing Hearts series.
The Story Orchestra: Four Seasons in One Day by Katie Cotton; illustrated by Jessica Courtney-Tickle
This incredible celebration of the senses allows children to press a button to hear Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, while following along an attention-grabbing story of a little girl and her dog journeying through the seasons. This unique book is an excellent choice for introducing children to classical music while also learning about the natural world.
Sometimes Rain by Meg Fleming; illustrations by Diana Sudyka, 2018
(Ages 3 and up)
Upbeat rhymes skillfully mix whimsy and wonder with familiar seasonal activities in this eye-catching book. As readers follow a group of children engaging in outdoor adventures, they will be reminded of their own favorite seasonal activities and may be inspired to even try something new. The recurring use of the word “sometimes” throughout the story also helps little ones understand the transience of each season. This one is a real delight for adults and children!
My Friend Earth by Patricia MacLacklan; illustrated by Francesca Sanna, 2020
(Ages 3 and up)
Dazzling die-cuts set in lush illustrations draw the reader into this stunning story of a personified Mother Earth caring for the land and animals throughout the seasons. This one is a real feast for the eyes!
Mouse Seasons by Leo Lionni, 2022
(Ages 2 and up)
Little ones are introduced to the four seasons using a poem from Lionni’s classic story, Frederick. The colorful collage-style illustrations steal the show while the simple text makes this a good choice for a preschool or toddler read aloud. The last sentence, “Think of a year with one less…or one more!” could serve as a fun prompt to encourage little ones to imagine a new season.
The Weather Girls by Aki, 2018
When Spring Comes, Summer Song, In the Middle of Fall, and Winter is Hereby Kevin Henkes and Laura Dronzek 
Green on Greenby Dianne White, illustrated by Felicta Sala, 2020
(Ages 4 and up)
This gorgeous book uses elegant prose and charming illustrations to brilliantly capture the essence of each season.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The tranquil pictures follow a family through a full year highlighting elements of nature such as plants, animals, and idyllic landscapes. Readers will observe the quiet joy each season brings and perceptive children will notice that the return of spring brings a new baby, further symbolizing the idea of rebirth. This sophisticated gem is a real standout!
The Calendar Kids by April Martin
(Ages 4 and up)
I just love this series starring a group of children each named after a month who have adventures related to holidays and general happenings in their specific months. For example, June loves spending time with her two best friends May and July and is looking forward to celebrating Father’s Day at the beach.
In addition to sharing information about each month, I love that the characters have full personalities and are met with challenges that they either overcome through their own resilience or with the help of a friend or family member. The illustrations are bright and engaging and there are even fun facts and discussion questions at the end!
Seasons With Grandad series by Sam Usher
Poetree by Caroline Pignat; illustrated by Francois Thisdale, 2018
(Ages 5 and up)
This unique book uses acrostic poems and striking artwork to capture the essence of each season. The skillful use of acrostic poetry makes this an excellent choice for poetry units and to inspire budding writers to create their own verses.
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