Springtime brings about a variety of interesting weather. It also brings the renewal season full of blossoms and planting. Here is an assortment of books on this subject that will entice and teach children of all ages.

Science Kids: Weather, by Caroline Harris, has the typical bright photos and teachable illustrations that Kingfisher is so well known for. The layout of this instructional book includes climates, wind and rainfall. The large text, along with the brilliant pictures, makes this book kid- friendly and enjoyable to read, as well as the teachable moments that await inside its covers.

Klutz has a new book out that deals with this season. Good Growing:  A Kid’s Guide to Green Gardening has all sorts of accessible information regarding planting a garden – from the windowsill to the backyard. The book is smallish and the directions are easy to follow.  As with all of Klutz publishing, this book is packaged with the theme of the book: seeds. There is also a small container to start your windowsill seeds.

How Does a Seed Grow?, by Sue Kim, with photos by Tilde, is a fantastic little board book that uniquely unfolds from both bottom and top showcasing the root and stem of a plant from its beginning to bearing fruit.

We Planted a Tree, by Diane Muldrow, and illustrated by Bob Staake, is a beautifully told poem in a simple yet elegant way about the importance a tree gives to providing clean air and shade and giving fruit to different parts of the world. The famous illustrator sheds light and diversity on the majesty of these trees.

All Around the Seasons, by Barney Saltzberg, is an easy picture book dissecting the four seasons with a 4 stanza poem that reflects the playfulness the children enjoy in each season. The full page pictures are bright and cheery reflecting the joy found throughout the year.

Waiting Out the Storm, by Joann Early Macken, and beautifully illustrated by Susan Gaber, is a story about a young girl out on a walk with her Mama when she hears the whistle of the wind in the trees and asks what it is. Each time the youngster hears different parts of the storm as it approaches.  Mama answers in a rhythmic fashion with a blend of rhyming words that seem to roll off the tongue as the roll of thunder approaches. The match of picture and text is as cleansing as a new rainstorm.

Little Cloud and Lady Wind, by Toni and Slade Morrison, and illustrated by Sean Qualls, is a story about how a little cloud doesn’t want to be like all other clouds by making thunder and raining on this beautiful earth. She wants to live peacefully on the earth. But she soon learns that this world needs little clouds along with the other clouds to stay healthy and green. The purple and blue hues throughout the book give a peaceful, calming effect.

The Earth Book, by Todd Parr, has a die-cut earth on the cover of the picture book. The simple message for youngsters is all about taking care of our earth by appreciating its beauty, taking care of it and not littering on it. The author has his trademark of brightly colorful pages, as well as a full page poster.

Bag in the Wind, by Ted Kooser, and illustrated by Barry Root, could be re-titled “The Adventures of a Plastic Bag” because it takes you through many different places that the wind blows the bag. The usage of the bag and what people do with it make for an interesting tale. And the color blending of gentle watercolors reflects the tale perfectly. Be sure to check out the note about recycling bags located in the back of the book.

All Things Bright and Beautiful, based on the song and words by Cecil Frances Alexander, and brightly illustrated by Ashley Bryan, is a wonderful celebration of the beauty of our Earth. Each page is vibrant and expresses different colorful aspects of our beautiful planet. “All things wise and wonderful: The Lord God made them all.” You can find the music and more about the author at the back of the book.

This is Our World: A Story About Taking Care of the Earth, by Emily Sollinger, and illustrated by Jo Brown, is a small board book unique in its format. Each colorful page teaches about different places to help take care of our Earth. Each page also has a puzzle piece to take off. The last page has a large circle to place the puzzle piece and thereby creating our world.