Spring is finally here and what better way to celebrate the season than with some fun and engaging picture books! From colorful flowers to buzzing bees, baby animals to muddy puddles, these books are sure to captivate your child's attention while also helping to expand their vocabulary, develop their sequencing skills, and foster a love of reading. So, grab your favorite springtime snack, kick off your shoes, and let's dive into some of the best spring-themed picture books for speech therapy.
And Then It's Spring by Julie Fogliano follows a child and his dog as they
eagerly await the arrival of spring. The two mirror each other's actions as they explore the landscape, with lots of ways to model simple sentences and give younger toddlers a chance to imitate (the boy is peeking - the dog is..... peeking!).The simple yet poetic language in the book provides a perfect opportunity to engage young readers in conversations about seasonal changes and the natural world.
When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes is a beautiful book that celebrates the changing of the seasons with poetic language and stunning illustrations. The simple illustrations are perfect for discussing the changes your child is seeing in the world outside, with lots of great early vocabulary (I see a mouse - squeak!) and opportunities to work on sequencing with older preschoolers (first/next, before/after).
Mouse's First Spring by Lauren Thompson, has adorable illustrations, bright and
cheerful, capturing the essence of spring. Mouse and his mom go for a walk and discover other nature friends along the way. The story lends itself well to exploring simple vocabulary with younger tots, but has lots of fun vocabulary with alliteration and rhyme for the older kids too. Bonus - if your kiddo is a fan of this one, there are tons of other Mouse books to enjoy!
Spring for Sophie by Yael Werber follows Sophie and her parents as they explore the outdoors and learn about all the changes happening during spring. Sophie uses all her senses to discover new things - she listens for birds, feels the softening ground under her boots, and even tastes the air for rain. This book is perfect for slightly older preschoolers, to encourage them to explore the changes outside with their own senses!
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner is a stunningly illustrated
children's book that will take you on a journey through a garden full of wonder and magic. But that's not all - it's also an excellent tool for language development! The book is filled with alliteration, onomatopoeia and rich vocabulary that will help your child expand their language skills. And with beautiful drawings, it's sure to capture the attention of younger readers. Plus, older siblings will love the non-fiction descriptions at the end of the book."
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a classic for good reason. This beloved children's book by Eric Carle captures the wonder of spring and the magic of transformation. You can easily simplify the language for younger toddlers (eat apple! yum!) , and you can help older preschool learners expand on their basic concepts like comparatives and superlatives (he's getting bigger! he's the biggest!).
If your child loves Eric Carle, you need to check out "Planting a Rainbow" by Lois Ehlert. A fun, colorful book celebrating the beauty of flowers and the joy of gardening as it follows a mother and child as they plant their rainbow and watch it grow. The best part is that the language is simple enough for younger readers, but there are still opportunities to introduce more advanced vocabulary through the illustrations. This is a great time to target two word combinations with color-obsessed kiddos (blue flower, yellow seed).
We hope you've found some new favorites to share with your little ones. These books provide a perfect opportunity to engage children in conversations about the changing of the seasons, nature, and the world around them. Whether you're looking to expand their vocabulary, work on sequencing skills, or simply foster a love of reading, these books have something for everyone. So go ahead and grab a book (or two!) and enjoy the beauty of springtime with your child.
Happy reading!
Do you have any questions or concerns about your child's speech and language development? Reach out today to schedule a free initial consultation!
Hey there! Just wanted to let you know that I didn't add any affiliate links in this post. However, I did include links to the authors' pages where possible. But here's a hot tip - don't forget about your local public library! They are a treasure trove of information and resources - go check them out!
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