A FIELD GUIDE TO SPRING: Play and Learn in Nature (Wild by Nature, 1), by Gabby Dawnay, Dorien Brouwers, Louise Black, Thames & Hudson, April 2, 2024, Hardcover, $14.95 (ages 6-9)

Inspired by the Forest School movement, A Field Guide to Spring aims to teach kids how to play and learn in nature.

A Field Guide to Spring is a pocket-sized introduction to spring, inspired by the Forest School movement. Building on children’s natural curiosity about the world around them, this book aims to establish a connection with nature at an early age that will go on to last a lifetime!

Hunt for seedlings, squelch around in the mud, identify birds’ eggs, and build your own nest. Discover how tadpoles transform into frogs and why rainbows appear in the sky.

The first in the Wild by Nature series, A Field Guide to Spring features poems, hands-on crafts and activities, scientific facts, and identifier pages to help children find different plants and animals. Whether a child’s access to nature is in the form of an urban park, a private garden, a field, or a forest, there is so much to discover and experience. —Synopsis provided by Thames & Hudson

A Field Guide to Spring is the sort of book to which curious kids will be drawn. Everything about it invites them to explore the natural world around them. Topics range from senses and amphibians to splashing and mud. This book would be an excellent resource in a classroom or homeschool or just fun for kids after school or on the weekends.

Gaby Dawnay’s warm text is inquisitive and insightful. Prompts inspire investigation beyond the book. Dorien Brouwers’ charming illustrations are featured in cheerful full color throughout. This is a great start to a new series.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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TINY WONDERS, by Sally Soweol Han, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, March 5, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

A young girl wonders how she can add color to her dull town in Tiny Wonders, a new picture book by Sally Soweol Han.

April’s town is dull and gray, and the people there are too busy to laugh or look up at the sky. But when April remembers Grandma’s stories about wonder in the world, like the secret language of flowers, April wonders: Can dandelions help?

Planting tiny seeds while the seasons shift towards spring, April watches as the dandelions and other flowers sprout, bringing more than a little wonder back to her community. —Synopsis provided by Bloomsbury Children’s Books

Tiny Wonders is a sweet book that asks readers to take a minute to see the small wonders that surround us every day.

Debut author-illustrator Sally Soweol Han’s gentle text comes to life with tender illustrations that have magical moments. The whole book feels like a warm hug. It’s a beautiful celebration.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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WHO LAID THESE EGGS? (An Animal Traces Book), by Laura Gehl and Loris Lora, Harry N. Abrams, Jan. 9, 2024, Board Book, $9.99 (ages 2 and up)

Learn about eight animal species and their nests in Who Laid These Eggs, a lift-the-flap book by Laura Gehl and Loris Lora.

In this nonfiction board book, young readers will see eggs in different environments on each spread. They can lift the flaps to discover all of the different animal nests and eggs—and learn a simple fact about each species. Featured creatures include robins, alligators, ostriches, salmon, butterflies, seagulls, snakes, and chickens, plus the kids who gather the eggs from the coop! —Synopsis provided by Harry N. Abrams

What better way to look forward to spring than a sweet board book about new life. The question-and-answer format of Who Laid These Eggs? is perfect for little readers. It adds a fun interactive element beyond the lifting flaps. Bright illustrations of cute animals will draw little ones in. The pages are made of thick stock, as are the flaps, standing up to lots of use. Who Laid These Eggs would make a good Valentine’s Day, Easter, or just because gift.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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BUG (LITTLE LIFE CYCLES), by Maggie Li, Templar, March 7, 2023, Board Book, $9.99 (0-3) 

Meet Bug, a small, wiggly caterpillar. From leaves and lily pads to grassy meadows and apples, hungry little Bug munches and crunches through everything it can find before entering into its chrysalis for a big change . . . In a board book that explores the life cycle of a caterpillar, readers can follow along with every stage of Bug’s transformation into a beautiful butterfly. A die-cut throughout the book emphasizes how nature is full of changes — and how you can always tell when a hungry caterpillar has been around! —Synopsis provided by Templar

This chunky board book is built to be read time and time again. And little readers will do exactly that. Simple text is paired with bold, bright illustrations. It’s nice that author/illustrator Maggie Li has included a number of other stylized creatures for kids to identify. It’s a fun read for parent and child.

THE SECRET LIFE OF BUGS, by Emmanuelle Figueras and Alexander Vidal, Twirl; 1st edition, April 4, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-5)

A close-up look at the world of insects. Bees, spiders, butterflies, ants and more are meticulously illustrated in this informative compendium of little critters that’s written for young animal fans. With laser-cut pages throughout, the familiar insects come alive to showcase the beauty of each creature. —Synopsis provided by Twirl

The Secret Life of Bugs is one of those “WOW” books that parents will enjoy as much as young readers. The incorporation of laser cut paper into the illustrations is genius. The technique adds dimension to the already gorgeous illustrations, and creates an interactive feel. And while those cuts may seem delicate but are much stronger than they appear. Informative and accessible text provides context for each spread. It’s a fantastic book that I look forward to gifting to a few friends. Though the publisher’s suggested age range for this is 3-5, I’d bump it up a little, ages 4-7.

JUST A WORM, by Marie Boyd, Greenwillow Books, March 14, 2023, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 4-8)

Worm isn’t “just a worm,” no matter what anyone says. Worm is special! Right? Worm sets out across the garden to prove it, interviewing one garden inhabitant after another. Butterfly seems to have all kinds of important qualities — as do Snail, Dragonfly, Ladybug, and Spider. But what can Worm do? What makes Worm special? Maybe Worm is just a worm after all . . . and what’s so bad about that! —Synopsis provided by Greenwillow Books

Just a Worm celebrates one of our gardens’ most useful creatures — worms! Author/illustrator Marie Boyd’s rolling text is a joy to read, and her exquisite illustrations will make you stop and stare. Boyd illustrates using quilled fine art (paper that is rolled, shaped and glued into a unified, decorative design). Because the images are 3D in real life, they have the same effect on the page. To add to the experience, Boyd has included a quilling butterfly craft, as well as a glossary and worm facts at the end of the book.

Copyright © 2023 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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COOL GREEN: AMAZING, REMARKABLE TREES, by Lulu Delacre, Candlewick, March 28, 2023, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 4-8)

A portrait of some of the world’s most incredible trees, seen through the eyes of a landscaper who loves them — and his granddaughter who is beginning to understand why.

Why am I in awe of trees?
Trees are astounding!
Let me share with you, mi niña,
some of the reasons why.

As he works with his young granddaughter to nurture a potted sapling, a Latino landscaper shares his love and admiration of trees. From the extraordinary rainbow gum tree to the mighty, towering redwood, each of the thirteen specimens he tells of is a miracle of the natural world — and some are strange beyond the wildest imagining. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick

This love letter to trees is full of light, color and enthusiasm. It’s fun to read aloud, and author-illustrator Lulu Delacre’s use of seeds, fronds, and leaves imbedded within her art creates a sort of look-and-find element as well. An author’s note, glossary, and further information on the featured trees is included at the end.

THE TREE AND THE RIVER, by Aaron Becker, Candlewick, March 14, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 5-9)

In an alternate past — or possible future — a mighty tree stands on the banks of a winding river, bearing silent witness to the flow of time and change. A family farms the fertile valley. Soon, a village sprouts, and not long after, a town. Residents learn to harness the water, the wind, and the animals in order to survive and thrive. The growing population becomes ever more industrious and clever, bending nature itself to their will and their ambition: redirecting rivers, harvesting lumber, reshaping the land, even extending daylight itself. . . .

The Tree and the River is an time-lapse reimagining of human civilization, and a meditation on the relationship between two mighty forces: nature and humankind. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick

This wordless picture book asks readers to create their own narrative around the images as they unfold. The only things that remain stationary are the tree and river, providing a reference point and thought-provoking journey. This book is beautiful on its own, but could be a really fun resource in a classroom setting, as well.

TREES: HAIKU FROM ROOTS TO LEAVES, by Sally M. Walker and Angela Mckay, Candlewick, March 14, 2023, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 7-9)

perched on a branch,
the crow’s nest amid green sails
a place for daydreams

From the giant tree ferns of the forests primeval to the hardy sycamores of today’s urban forests, experience the essence of trees through poems that engage with every season and stage of the life cycle, from seed to photosynthesis. A broad exploration of a majestic subject, this collection of haiku touches on such topics as the importance of trees to other living creatures and the communication of trees with one another through a complex network of roots. Paired with Angela Mckay’s patterned artwork, Sally M. Walker’s third collection, a companion to Earth Verse and Out of This World, encourages respect and care for our arboreal neighbors. Back matter includes a time line, an author’s note, a glossary, and a select bibliography for curious readers. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick

Poetry is said to speak to the soul. So, too, does nature. What better pairing than the two? Each spread in this book stands alone in that you can explore it one poem at a time or the collection as a whole. It’s thoughtful prose in enjoyable to read aloud and silently ponder. It would work well with poetry units in school or just to enjoy at home.

POP-UP FOREST, by Fleur Daugey, Bernard Duisit, Tom Vaillant, Thames & Hudson, March 7, 2023, Hardcover, $29.95 (ages 6-8)

Have you ever wondered how trees grow? Did you know that the Amazon rainforest is considered the “lungs of the planet”? Pop-Up Forest tells you everything you’ve always wanted to know about forest ecosystems around the world with fact-packed text, lively and colorful illustrations ― and pop- ups! Discover what happens when trees communicate with each other; the kinds of creatures that live in them; and what the Scandinavian legend of Yggdrasil has to do with all of this.

This book features detailed illustrations and paper engineering for amateur biologists and nature lovers. Readers will delve deep beneath the root systems and climb up into the canopy to explore some of the oldest and most important trees alive. —Synopsis provided by Thames & Hudson

You don’t truly appreciate the intricacies of a pop-up book until you thumb through one. Pop-Up Forest is beautifully designed, immersing readers in the world of trees. From color scheme to bold paper creations, this book is well thought out. Information is presented in smaller sections of text that allow for browsing as well as front-to-back reading.

Copyright © 2023 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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BABY BASICS: COLORS CLOTH BOOK (TW BABY BASICS), by Marion Billet, Twirl; 1st edition, April 4, 2023, Fabric, $22.99 (ages 0-3)

Introduce babies to 11 colors in this large and snuggly cloth book with eight different textures perfect for early tactile learning and developing fine motor skills. Bright, eye-catching illustrations of cute animals feature the primary colors, as well as secondary ones like gray, pink, and orange. Plush and cloth book are made of soft non-toxic and machine-washable fabric. —Synopsis provided by Twirl

This fun fabric book is a fun option for the littlest readers. Since it’s fabric, you don’t have to worry about breaking pages or it going in their mouths. Directions say to hand wash (although from my own experience where a similar book was puked on, delicate wash and air-dry work, too). If this book had been around when my daughter was born, I would have bought it, and I won’t hesitate gifting it as well.

LITTLE CHICKS (TARO GOMI), by Taro Gomi, Chronicle Books, Feb. 28, 2023, Board Book, $7.99 (ages 0-3)

From the beloved author of Everyone Poops, a charming tale of three little chicks who are ready to explore the big, wide world together! Running in sunshine and in the rain, over grassy fields and past friendly neighbors, these chicks are as eager for adventure as they are to run back home into the arms of their caring parents at the end of a long day. —Synopsis provided by Chronicle Books

This sweet little board book introduces young readers to the ideas of adventure and discovery and mixes it with the love that comes with being at home. Simple text and some “bigger” vocabulary words (energetically, together) make for a fun read-aloud. Kids will love the colorful chicks.

PICK A PERFECT EGG, by Patricia Toht and Jarvis, Candlewick, Feb. 14, 2023, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 3-5)

Pick a perfect egg with care—
Choose a white one nestled there.
Gather more and softly stack them.
Just be cautious not to crack them!

Pairing Jarvis’s illustrations with Patricia Toht’s rhythmic text, this holiday ode hops through a busy springtime day all the way to Easter Sunday. From the farm where you’ve carefully selected your eggs — eggs perfect for drawing on with crayon, for plopping into dyes and bejeweling — follow along as preparations continue for the much-awaited festivities. Then on Sunday, open your door and search for eggs of a different kind, filled with foil-wrapped chocolate, spinning tops, and jelly beans. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick

This fun picture book celebrates eggs and the (secular) role they play in Easter celebrations. Energetic and colorful illustrations draw readers in, and rhyming text makes it a fun read-aloud for kids and adults.

MY FIRST MOM AND DAUGHTER JOURNAL: AN ACTIVITY BOOK FOR GIRLS AND MOMS TOGETHER, by Katie Clemons and Anna and Daniel Clark, Sourcebooks Explore, Feb. 7, 2023, Softcover, $14.99 (ages 5-8) and MY FIRST MOM AND SON JOURNAL: AN ACTIVITY BOOK FOR BOYS AND MOMS TOGETHER, by Katie Clemons and Anna and Daniel Clark, Sourcebooks Explore, Feb. 7, 2023, Softcover, $14.99 (ages 5-8)

As your little girl or boy grows up and learns to read and write, the two of you can catch special memories in this journal as you swap stories, compare ideas, and explore things you love with each other! Letters, drawings back and forth, and interactive lists invite mother and child to reflect, write, and doodle about all of the things in their life together. With this unique journal for young kids just learning to read and write, mother and child will illustrate or write:

• • • Answers to thought provoking journal prompts and activities―Coloring and drawing activities; Circle your favorite prompts; many more fun activities!
    • Special memories―Here is a picture of something I worked really hard to learn; When I was little, I liked to
    • Personal perspectives―I wake up at; I go to sleep at; I dream about —Synopsis provided by Sourcebooks Explore

Though the suggested age range for this journal is 5-8, it will probably appeal to kids up to 10. My 9-year-old is very interested in doing this together, and she’ll be able to be the one in charge, which will make her all the happier. These charming journals are approximately 140 pages, and feature fun prompts that cover everything from feelings to favorite pizza toppings and everything in between. It’s a great opportunity to bond and learn a little more about each other.

Copyright © 2023 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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SO CUTE! PUPPIES (SO COOL/SO CUTE), by Crispin Boyer, National Geographic Kids, Feb. 1, 2022, Hardcover, $6.99 (ages 3-5)

That wrinkly little face. Those sweet puppy dog eyes! That squishy, pudgy, fuzzy body! Let’s face it … puppies are SO CUTE! And, well, so is this book!

Ready to get your paws on the most playful puppies in town? Well then you’ve come to the right place! From puppies at playtime to rascally ruff-housing, this book gives kids an engaging introduction to these adorable animals. —Synopsis provided by National Geographic Kids

If your child loves puppies, then this is the perfect book for them. Even my 8-year-old, who is way too old for this book, was immediately drawn to it, making awwwww sounds with each turn of the page. In addition to adorable photos, readers are treated to interesting facts ranging from behavior to breeds. Those factoids are paired with funny text from the puppies themselves.

Little Kids First Big Book of Baby Animals (First Big Books), by Maya Myers, National Geographic Kids, March 22, 2022, Hardcover, $14.99 (ages 4-8)

Meet more than 40 animal babies from every corner of the globe, from ocean depths to
mountaintops, grassy plains to polar lands.

Features include:

• • • A map that shows where these animals are found in the wild
    • Questions in each chapter that encourage interactive learning
    • Simple text for reading aloud or for beginning readers
    • Engaging photography of real animals in their habitats
    • Parent tips that extend the experience beyond the book

 Find out how these wee wild ones are born, where they live, what their families are like, how they get their food, and how they learn to do things on their own―all the things that are important to young humans, too! —Synopsis provided by National Geographic Kids

At 125 pages, this book features a wide range of animals. Larger text in small snippets make it more accessible to young readers. Charming photographs make this a joy for readers of all ages.

Copyright © 2022 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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The following books were recently published. All synopsizes are italicized in blue and provided by respective publishers. Reviews are by Jessica. Scroll down for the complete list or click or tap the following links to directly visit a section BIRTH & UP • AGES 2 AND UP • AGES 3 AND UP • AGES 8 AND UP 

BIRTH & UP

SUNRISE DANCE, by Serena Gingold Allen and Teagan White, Chronicle Books, April 5, 2022, Board Book, $12.99 (ages 0-3)

Make salmon splash and bear cubs bustle with each push of a durable novelty element in this sweet and interactive morning read-aloud.

When you wake up in the morning, playful animals are starting their day! Push and pull the sturdy tabs to make dragonflies dance and bear cubs bustle in this sweet, interactive tale of morning-time fun. —Synopsis provided by Chronicle Books

Tender illustrations and interactive wheels and pulls make this charming book a winner. Sturdy cardboard ensure it will hold up to heavy use.

LITTLE SEED, by Benson Shum, Little Simon, Feb. 22, 2022, Board Book, $8.99 (ages 0-5)

Little Seed has a very big wish: figure out how to hug the whole world.

So with a loving nudge from Mama Earth, Little Seed sets out on an adventure to meet and learn different ways to hug and love each new friend. But how do you hug a panda who’s as soft as a cloud? And how do you hug a whale who’s as big as a mountain? —Synopsis provided by Little Simon

This thoughtful book encourages little ones to look for different ways to share love. Bright, bold illustrations immediately draw you in and gentle text adds context.

SOFT LIKE A BUNNY, by Courtney Acampora and Dubravka Kolanovic, Silver Dolphin Books, Feb. 1, 2022, Board Book, $8.99 (ages 0-2)

From a hopping bunny to a splashing duckling, Soft Like a Bunny is a board book with rhyming text and something to touch and feel on every spread. Little ones can pet the fluffy llama, cuddle the cute kitten, and feel the sleepy deer’s soft fur in this sturdy board book Children will associate a tactile element with each creature in this multisensory book full of sweet animals. —Synopsis provided by Silver Dolphin Books

Soft Like a Bunny is a tender board book that little ones will enjoy year-round. Though not specifically an Easter book, its pastel colors and pictures of bunnies, lambs and chicks make it a good choice for Easter baskets and spring celebrations. This is exactly the sort of board book my daughter would have loved as an infant/toddler.

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AGES 2 AND UP

A KIT STORY (AN ANIMAL STORY), by Alison Farrell and Kristen Tracy, Chronicle Books, March 8, 2022, Board Book, $9.99 (ages 2-4)

See the world through a fox kit’s eyes in a book about finding your place in the world. Over the course of four seasons, Kit comes of age in the forest. In spring, she gambols. In autumn, she races. In summer, she sneaks and slinks. But with her mama, she will always be a little kit.

This is the second in a series of board books that pairs Kristen Tracy’s text with Alison Farrell’s art for an adorable treatment of everyone’s favorite topic: baby animals! —Synopsis provided by Chronicle Books

Though this book covers all four seasons, animal lovers will love it any time of the year. Energetic prose is well matched with expressive illustrations that are full of movement and charm.

BEYOND THE BURROW, by Jessica Meserve, Macmillan Children’s Books, March 4, 2021, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 2-5)

The big, wide world can be scary, especially when it’s filled with strange-looking creatures who don’t eat carrots. But does giant, clawed and hairy have to mean scary? And is there a rabbit brave enough to find out? —Synopsis provided by Macmillan Children’s Books

Though this story starts out about a rabbit and a carrot, it is not an Easter story. No, it’s a story of adventure and bravery and exploring the unknown. Rabbit’s interactions with other animals are delightful, with inviting text paired equally with engaging illustrations. This is a joy to read.

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AGES 3 AND UP

THE STORY OF PETER RABBIT, by Beatrix Potter and Lisa McCue, Studio Fun International; Abridged edition, March 8, 2022, Board Book, $10.99 (ages 3-5)

Naughty little Peter Rabbit gets into trouble eating vegetables in Mr. McGregor’s garden. First, he eats so much, he starts feeling sick, and then Mr. McGregor chases him around the garden with his rake! Peter is in such a hurry to escape the farmer that he loses his shoes and his jacket. Will he make it home? —Synopsis provided by Studio Fun International

This is an abridged version of Beatrix Potter’s classic story that’s illustrations give Peter a more updated look. Bold colors and expressive characters are sure to engage young readers. It’s a good stepping stone to reading the original tale.

FIRST NOTES OF SPRING, by Jessica Kulekjian and Jennifer Bower, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, Feb. 15, 2022, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 3-6)

Juniper can’t wait to audition for the First Notes of Spring, the orchestra that melts away winter and wakes up spring with its melodies. With her strong sticks, thumpity toadstool, and rowdy rhythms, she plays with all her might. BOOMEY-BOOM-BOOM!

But Mr. Moose says there’s no room in the band for her loud percussion skills. Juniper is heartbroken, until she discovers other tappers, clappers, and noisemakers in the woods. As they parade through the forest playing music together, they learn that maybe their song can wake spring too. —Synopsis provided by Bloomsbury Children’s Books

This is one of those books that you just have to read out LOUD. Kids will enjoy making the musical sounds and may come up with their own additions, too. With inviting text and bright, charming illustrations, it’s a great introduction to the changing of the seasons.

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AGES 8 AND UP

BEHOLD OUR MAGICAL GARDEN: POEMS FRESH FROM A SCHOOL GARDEN, by Allan Wolf and Daniel Duncan, Candlewick, March 8, 2022, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 8 and up)

In our garden, can you see?
A grand adventure? And it’s free!
A green delicious fantasy?
Behold our magical garden.

There’s a lot more to gardens than meets the eye! In this collection of buoyant poems filled with fun facts, young nature enthusiasts and budding gardeners are called on to help solve a mystery by the compost bin, join a Wild West–style standoff between some good bugs and a few bad ones, interview the sun to find out what happens when it drinks a glass of water, and learn the fancy names of plants to spice up dinner conversation. They’ll be spurred to grab their own gardening tools, drop in some seeds, encounter a few insects, gather fresh vegetables, and find a whole lot of magic. Allan Wolf’s playful poems and Daniel Duncan’s whimsically detailed, welcoming illustrations combine in a charming celebration of the many wonders and lessons to be learned from a school garden. For further inspiration, engaging notes on the poems and an author’s note on jotting down observations can be found in the back matter. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick

Behold Our Magical Garden is a joy to read. It is a combination of art, poetry, science and so much more. Poems range in size from a few lines to an entire page, and cover all aspects of gardening — even the compost bin gets its turn in the spotlight. These poems bounce. They’re fun to read aloud, and the accompanying illustrations are pitch perfect. This would be a great addition to any home or classroom. It’s sure to inspire budding writers/illustrators to look at their own gardens in a new light.

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Copyright © 2022 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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MEMORIES OF A BIRCH TREE, by Daniel Cañas, Blanca Millán, Cuento de Luz; 1st edition, April 1, 2022, Hardcover, $18.95 (ages 4-8)

The day they took me out of my home and loaded me onto a truck changed everything. I went from living surrounded by nature, with my brothers, to ending up girdled by towering buildings in a polluted, noisy city. I was homesick. Accepting that change was extremely difficult, but then I started to realize that the city was not that bad after all. A friendly gardener took care of me. He watered my soil, gave me fertilizer, and trimmed my dry branches so that a pair of finches could nest in them. I began to feel very useful, as I gave people my shade, my oxygen, and my gently-flavored seeds. I soon understood that hope and love could manifest anywhere in the world, so I decided to put down roots. —Synopsis provided by Cuento de Luz

This tender book is told from the point of view of a birch tree. Expressive illustrations accompany gentle text to create a lovely reading experience.

BE THANKFUL FOR TREES: A TRIBUTE TO THE MANY & SURPRISING WAYS TREES RELATE TO OUR LIVES, by Harriet Ziefert and Brian Fitzgerald, Red Comet Press, March 29, 2022, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)

What gives you a seat, a floor for your feet?
A place you can sit with your family to eat?
The pum-pum of a drum, a guitar’s twangy strum . . .
Tree wood makes music zing, ping, and hum.

Using lilting, rhyming couplets, this book explores the many items that are made from trees. But it doesn’t stop there! Kids will also learn about the many uses of live trees – and the environmental danger to trees posed by forest fires, floods, and deforestation. Kids are encouraged to be kind, not only to one another, but to the environment as well. —Synopsis provided by Red Comet Press

Simple text paired with fun illustrations give children an idea of all the things a tree can be.

SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT TREES, by Toni Yuly, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, March 22, 2022, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 4-8)

Do tiny trees dream of being big?
Do the tallest trees get lonely?
What part is the heart of a tree?

Follow along as a lively little girl explores the natural world, asking questions big and small. Filled with wonder and joy, Some Questions About Trees is a celebration of how children see the world. —Synopsis provided by Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Simple, yet tender, illustrations are paired with profound questions in this lovely picture book.

ACORN WAS A LITTLE WILD, by Jen Arena and Jessica Gibson, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, March 15, 2022, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 4-8)

Acorn is a little wild, and from his oak tree perch, he longs for adventure. When he’s the first of his friends to jump off the oak tree, he’s on his way into the wide world, full of new experiences that fill his little heart with excitement!

But when a squirrel buries Acorn deep underground, the thrill-seeking Acorn finds himself forced to stay still, in the darkness, for a long time. To turn this biggest setback into a wild adventure, Acorn may have to change from the inside out. —Synopsis provided by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Acorn is a charming character that grabs your attention from the start. This is a humorous story full of laughs and adventure.

ONE MILLION TREES: A TRUE STORY, by Kristen Balouch, Margaret Ferguson Books, March 1, 2022, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

When Kristen Balouch was 10 years old, her parents made a surprising announcement: their whole family was going on a trip to plant trees!  Kristen, her sisters, and her mom and dad — and their pet, Wonder Dog! — flew from their California home to a logging site in British Columbia.  There, they joined a crew working to replant the trees that had been cut down.

In One Million Trees, Kristen reflects on the forty days they spent living in a tent, covered in mud and bug bites, working hard every day to plant a new forest.  Young readers will learn a little French, practice some math skills, and learn all about how to plant a tree the right way!

The kid-friendly, engaging text is paired with bold illustrations, full of fun details and bright colors. The story ends with a modern-day look at what Kristen’s family helped accomplish: a stand of huge trees growing on what used to be an empty, muddy patch of bare stumps.

An author’s note shares more information on deforestation, sustainable logging practices, and the irreplaceable environmental benefit of old growth forests… Plus, the amazing things even a small group of people can do when they work together.

A fun story with an important environmental message, One Million Trees is bound to inspire kids to get their hands dirty to make our planet healthy! —Synopsis provided by Margaret Ferguson Books

Copyright © 2022 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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THE BIG BOOK OF BLOOMS (THE BIG BOOK SERIES), by Yuval Zommer, Elisa Biondi, et al., Thames & Hudson; 1 edition, May 5, 2020, Hardcover, $19.95 (ages 4 and up)

With millions of people stuck at home right now, many of us are taking a renewed interest in our own yards/ gardens/ pots/ windowsills. The Big Book of Blooms takes things a bit further, introducing children — and the adults in their lives — to flowering plants from around the world.

I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am for this book. I’ve been looking for things to supplement/ change up my daughter’s school work, and The Big Book of Blooms is just the thing for my nature loving 6-year-old.

The book opens with sections on flower families, flower anatomy, pollinators, flower colors, and flower powers. What follows are full-page spreads featuring flora and their various habitats. It also covers endangered flowers and carnivorous and poisonous flowers. And hidden in 15 places throughout the book is a golden bulb.

You may recognize Yuval Zommer’s distinct style from The other books in Thames & Hudson’s The Big Book Series (The Big Book of Blue; The Big Book of Bugs; The Big Book of Birds). And like Zommer’s other books, The Big Book of Blooms is bold, brilliant and beautiful. Glorious illustrations are paired with snippets of informative text sprinkled throughout, making it a joy for readers young and old.

As for supplementing school, we’ll be using this for 3- to 5-sentence reports (she’s in kindergarten) paired with her own versions of botanical drawings. It’s a great jumping off point for lots of learning opportunities.

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