Spring Has Sprung!

Awake, thou wintry earth -
Fling off thy sadness!
Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth
Your ancient gladness!
~ Thomas Blackburn, "An Easter Hymn"

Sunday was the Spring Equinox. As if on cue, a robin made its first appearance in our backyard in eastern Pennsylvania. To celebrate the longer days of light, here are five books about Spring to share with young readers.

Spring: An Alphabet Acrostic
By Steven Schnur
Illustrated by Leslie Evans
Clarion, 1999

This book is out of print but well worth searching for. Starting with A for April (After days of/Pouring/Rain, the last/Ice and snow/Leave the earth.), each letter of the alphabet gets its own acrostic poem celebrating Spring. Vibrant linoleum-cut illustrations showcase Spring in all its glory.
 

A New Beginning: Celebrating the Spring Equinox
By Wendy Pfeffer
Illustrated by Linda Bleck
Dutton, 2008

This book explains in lyrical prose the science behind the Spring Equinox and shows how different cultures celebrate its arrival. Hands-on activities, such as growing a pot of wheat or barley as Iranian families do when celebrating the growing season, round out this informative book.

The Spring Equinox: Celebrating the Greening of the Earth
By Ellen Jackson
Illustrated by Jan Davey Ellis
Millbrook Press, 2003

Beginning with the Mayans of ancient Mexico, Jackson examines how different cultures throughout history have welcomed Spring.  Included are the familiar holidays of Easter and Passover, as well as lesser-known ones, such as No Ruz (Iranian) and Holi (Indian). And of course there is our brand new celebration of Spring: Earth Day.  

It's Spring!
By Samantha Berger and Pamela Chanko
Illustrated by Melissa Sweet
Cartwheel Books, 2001

Spring has arrived and all the animals are spreading the joyful news. Beginning readers can share in their excitement for the season.

Spring Is Here
By Lois Lenski
Random House Books for Young Readers, 2005

First published way back in 1945, this delightful pocket-size book was reissued in 2005. The rhyming text and charming illustrations show young children delighting in Spring.

This week's Nonfiction Monday is being held at The Children's War.