Spring reading
Spring is a time of joy and new beginnings of nature eggsploding, carnivals and celebrations. We have curated a bookshelf bursting with books to inspire creativity, curiosity and laughter. Share poetry about nature and feasts (yum!). Find out about the nature outside your front door. Discover the world bursting with blooms and, of course, giggle and chortle along to fun-filled books featuring bunnies and eggs that are great to read aloud. Here are our recommendations for Easter-themed books across the primary ages.
Bunny books
Wed Rabbit by Lissa Evans (David Fickling Books, 2018)
Suitable for: age 7+
Fidge is nearly 11 and has just been thrown into the very strangest of worlds. She must rescue thousands of colourful, rhyming creatures called Wimbley Woos by solving a series of baffling clues and learning a lot about herself on the way. It is a hilarious and moving adventure that will make you laugh and make you cry.
Mr Bunny’s Chocolate Factory by Elys Dolan (Oxford University Press, 2017)
Suitable for: age 4 to 7
As winner of the 2018 Laugh Out Loud Book Awards (Lollies), this is guaranteed to make you chuckle. It’s time to head behind the scenes of Mr Bunny’s chocolate factory to find out where your Easter eggs come from. As well as enjoying the humorous text, keep your eyes peeled on the busy illustrations for even more hilarity.
Baby Bunny’s Easter Surprise by Helen Baugh and Nick East (HarperCollins, 2022)
Suitable for: age 2 to 5
One day Letty finds out she is the child of the Easter Bunny! When she bounces after her mum and sees all the delicious eggs hidden for the woodland creatures, she cannot help herself: she scoffs the lot! Oh dear. Will Letty be able to fix the chocolatey mess she has made? There is so much to enjoy in this bouncy rhyming book and children will love to join in with the repeated refrain.
Eggs are for everyone!
The Egg by Britta Teckentrup (Prestel, 2018)
Suitable for: age 7+
Britta Teckentrup’s beautiful book blends art and science in an ode to the humble egg. Eggs from the tiny hummingbird to the now extinct elephant bird are illustrated in gorgeous colours and fine detail. Children will love poring over the images and reading the mix of fascinating facts and stories.
Egg Drop by Mini Grey (Red Fox, 2003)
Suitable for: age 5+
‘The Egg was young. It didn’t know much. We tried to tell it, but of course it didn’t listen.’ So starts the story of the egg that wanted to fly, one of the most unusual stories you will ever read – about an egg! Mini Grey tells the tale of an impetuous egg and its downfall (sorry, spoilers) with gentle humour. The mixed media illustrations have clever details that will excite and entice readers. So give it a whirl and maybe don’t drop the egg!
Pip and Egg by Alex Latimer and David Litchfield (Scholastic, 2021)
Suitable for: age 5+
If you’re looking for a beautifully illustrated book about friendship and growing up, then look no further! Pip & Egg tells the simple but powerful story of two friends who change over time, but ultimately come back to one another. Think Jeanne Willis’s classic Tadpole’s Promise, but with a much happier ending!
Spring
Lulu Loves Flowers by Anna McQuinn and Rosalind Beardshaw (Alanna Max, 2021)
Suitable for: age 3+
The fourth book in this wonderful series by Anna McQuinn, Lulu Loves Flowers is fantastic to share with your children to introduce them to Spring. Lulu needs to demonstrate great patience as she waits for her seeds to grow but finds plenty to keep herself (and us) entertained. A simple, joyous and totally relatable story for children in the early years.
If all the world were… by Joseph Coelho and Allison Colpoys (Lincoln Children’s Books, 2019)
Suitable for: age 3 to 5
This sensitive portrayal of the relationship between a grandfather and grandchild, delicately addresses bereavement. Alongside this exploration of love and loss, the illustrations offer a window into beautiful spring scenes.
Sonya’s Chickens by Pheobe Wahl (Tundra, 2018)
Suitable for: age 6+
Chickens are so wonderful, and Sonya is a careful chicken keeper. She loves looking after her chickens which she has reared from being tiny chicks. But one night something slinks into the hen house… How will Sonya deal with the loss of a hen? And which animal was responsible? Sonya learns a lot about the interconnectedness of life in this beautifully illustrated book that explores the cycle of life.
Poetry
Nature Trail by Benjamin Zephaniah and Nila Aye (Orchard Books, 2021)
Suitable for: age 2 to 5
Shortlisted for the BookTrust Storytime Prize, Nature Trail is an absolute joy. The combination of Benjamin Zephaniah’s wonderful rhymes alongside Nila Aye’s vibrant illustrations makes this text a great read aloud. An imaginative exploration of what you might find down in the bottom of your garden.
Midnight Feasts chosen by A. F. Harrold and illustrated by Katy Riddell (Bloomsbury Education, 2019)
Suitable for: age 6+
Silly, witty and punny these poems seize the joy of food and feasts by its quivering jelly and deliver it wrapped up in this scrumptious illustrated book. A. F. Harrold has chosen and written a smorgasbord of poems that cover important subjects such as why you can: ‘Never Trust a Lemon’, ‘The Perils of Breakfast’ (if a bear is around), and why ‘Custard and Crisps’ might be the only solutions for a family of fussy eaters. Slurp up all the yummy poems and serve them to your class – I promise they will ask for second helpings!
Non–fiction
Beautiful Eggs by Alice Lindstrom (Scribble UK, 2021)
Suitable for: age 7+
This exquisite book is a celebration of the different types of egg decoration that go on all around the world at Easter time. Lindstrom’s paper cut-out illustrations are stunning and would inspire even the most reluctant artist in your class to have a go at creating their own Easter egg design!
The Big Book of Blooms by Yuval Zommer (Thames and Hudson Ltd, 2020)
Suitable for: age 7+
After just a quick flick through this addition to Yuval Zommer’s ‘Big Book’ series, you won’t be surprised to hear that it was the Gold Winner in the ‘Junior Design Awards’ in the ‘Best Designed/Illustrated Book for Children’ category. Your classes won’t be able to resist the combination of interesting facts, paired with beautifully busy illustrations.
Wild Child Journey through Nature by Dara McAnulty and Barry Falls (Macmillian Children’s, 2021)
Suitable for: age 4+
The latest book from ‘Wainwright Prize-winning’ author of Diary of a Young Naturalist, Dara McAnulty, Wild Child takes you on the most wonderful, interactive nature walk. Divided into five sections, each focusing on a different habitat, McAnulty’s poetic voice shares facts about the birds, animals and natural phenomena. With practical activities included for each section, you will have no excuse but to put on your wellies and get outside!
We all Celebrate by Chitra Sounder and Jenny Bloomfield (Tiny Owl, 2021)
Suitable for: age 6+
A wonderful book from Tiny Owl that can be used year-round to explore festivals from all across the world. Find out about Hnami in Japan where people gather to appreciate the cherry blossoms, the Granny March in Bulgaria, and Holi in India. Explore the carnivals that bring people together to make music and dance together. Find out why different religions fast and how the breaking of these fasts is celebrated.
