Spring has sprung! While the warmer weather and blooming flowers are a welcome change from the cold winter, the spring rain is often a bit harder to swallow. If the spring showers have you and your little one feeling a bit gloomy, check out these books. They make for great rainy day reading, and may even inspire you to go out and have a little fun in the rain!
Split Splat (Amy Gibson)
Experience the fun of a rainy spring day with Split Splat. Follow a little girl and her dog as they happily romp in a rain shower. The rhythmic text and colorful illustrations make for an entertaining read aloud for parents and children. Ages 4-8
Raindrop Plop (Wendy Cheyette Lewison)
Count up to 10 and back again with this delightful rhyming book. Kids will enjoy reviewing numbers while following a little girl through rainy day fun. Ages 3-5
The Rainy Day (Anna Milbourne)
Go on a rainy day walk with a group of children and learn a little about the science of rain along the way. This sturdy book from Usborne is engaging and educational. Ages 2-6
Rain! (Linda Ashman)
See a rainy day in the city from two different perspectives. A young boy is excited about the rain, but an older man is not nearly as thrilled! Find out if the boy’s excitement can change the grumpy man’s attitude! The colorful cut-out style illustrations really pop off the page ,making this book a delight to look at. Ages 2-6
Mud Puddle (Robert Munsch)
This classic Munsch tale has been given a makeover with fun new illustrations. Kids will giggle as they watch Jule Ann battle a pesky mud puddle that keeps jumping on her! Find out the clever way she beats the muddy mess! Parents and children will love reading this clever story together. Ages 4-7
Tiny Life in a Puddle (Bobbi Early)
This helpful book introduces children to organisms living in bodies of fresh water. The photographs and simple text give kids a taste of introductory science and hopefully will open the door for further discussion and research. Ages 6-9
Umbrella (Taro Yashima)
On Momo’s 3rd birthday she receives an umbrella and red rainboots. Now she anxiously awaits a rainy day so she can use them. Kids will relate to the difficulty of learning patience and parents will relate to the bittersweet feeling of watching a child grow. A great classic! Ages 2-5
The Storm Book (Charlotte Zolotow)
Kids who are curious or even fearful about bad weather will enjoy this lovely lyrical description of a summer thunderstorm. Follow a storm from the point just before it begins to the lovely rainbow that appears afterwards. Ages 4-8
Rain (Sam Usher)
Sam can’t wait to get outside when he discovers it is a rainy day, but his grandfather decides it’s better to wait. As the day progresses, Sam enjoys hot chocolate and fun adventure books while granddad does paperwork. Finally, granddad declares it’s time to go outside to mail his letter – and the adventure begins! This book is the second in a four part series on weather by the author. Ages 3-7
Umbrella Summer (Lisa Graff)
Annie knows there are a lot of dangerous things in the world and she is doing her best to protect herself and her family. Being hyper-cautious is Annie’s way of dealing with her brother’s recent death. Older elementary and middle school students will be inspired by this touching story about a community that helps a young girl heal. Ages 8-12
Don’t let the spring showers get you down! Grab a rainy day book and make the most of your time indoors. If you’re looking for even more educational fun for your kiddo check out Red Apple Reading. Our online reading program is serious learning that is seriously fun!
