April is the month for splashing in puddles, carrying umbrellas, watching the green return, and blooms start to form. The rainy days welcome cuddles on the couch while reading, and encourage our eyes to notice the world opening once again after a long dormancy.
This month I've rounded up our favorite books that help celebrate the Earth (Earth Day April 22nd) water and rain, trees (Arbor Day April 24th), returning wildlife, and laughter. I pray they help spark curiosity, natural wonder, and build connection.
This post contains Amazon affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It helps support my small business and family, so thank you. As always, I would encourage you to check out your local library first.
Our April Booklist:
- Blue on Blue by Dianne White A poetic celebration of water, sky, and the endless shades of blue that surround us.
- The Umbrella by Jan Brett A charming story about rain, adventure, and a very special umbrella.
- Raindrops Roll (Weather Walks) by April Pulley Sayre Follow the journey of raindrops through nature with beautiful illustrations.
- The Duck Who Didn't Like Water by Steve Small A funny, heartwarming tale about a duck learning to embrace what he once feared.
- Worm Weather (Penguin Core Concepts) by Jean Taft Kids will love seeing worms come alive after spring rains, paired with simple science facts.
- Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth by Oliver Jeffers A whimsical guide to life on Earth, perfect for teaching kids about the planet we share.
- Water Is Water: A Book About the Water Cycle by Miranda Paul Introduces children to the magic and science of the water cycle.
- Float by Daniel Miyares A beautifully illustrated story about friendship, family, and floating along life’s adventures.
- Goodbye to Goodbyes (Tales That Tell the Truth) by Lauren Chandler A gentle story about loss, life, and God’s presence in everyday moments.
- Over and Under the Waves by Kate Messner Dive under the sea to discover creatures and life beneath the water’s surface.
- Nesting by Henry Cole A simple and sweet look at animals building nests and preparing for new life.
- Stuck by Oliver Jeffers A hilarious story about a boy, a kite, and unexpected problem-solving.
- An Egg Is Quiet by Dianna Aston and Sylvia Long Explores the beauty of eggs in nature with poetic text and delicate illustrations.
- Mel Fell: A Caldecott Honor Award Winner by Corey R. Tabor A Caldecott Honor-winning story of courage, perseverance, and taking flight.
- Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey Classic tale of a family of ducks finding their way in the city.
- Bird Builds a Nest: A First Science Storybook by Martin Jenkins Perfect for young scientists discovering how birds create homes.
- Shake a Leg, Egg! by Kurt Cyrus Silly, fun, and engaging for young readers who love to laugh and learn.
- Rain by Cynthia Rylant A quiet, reflective story capturing the beauty and sound of a rainy day.
- Hike by Pete Oswald Celebrate nature, adventure, and the joy of exploring the outdoors.
- Psalm Twenty-Three Eerdmans Books for Young Readers A gentle introduction to one of the most comforting passages in Scripture.
- Have You Seen Elephant? by David Barrow A playful story about friendship, perseverance, and searching for what matters most.
- Amy Carmichael: The Brown-Eyed Girl Who Learned to Pray (Do Great Things for God) by Hunter Beless Inspiring biography of a young girl whose faith shaped her life and the lives of others.
- Song of the River by Joy Cowley Celebrates the journey of water and the life it brings to the earth.
- Arbor Day Book: Everything You Need to Know about Arbor Day by Mr BRANEN MUNSON Learn all about the history and importance of Arbor Day.
- The Boy Who Grew a Forest: The True Story of Jadav Payeng by Sophia Gholz The inspiring true story of one boy’s mission to plant a forest.
- Norman Didn't Do It!: (Yes, He Did) by Ryan T. Higgins A funny story to keep kids giggling while reading.
- Nell Plants a Tree by Anne Wynter A gentle story about the rewards of planting and caring for trees.
- Songs of the Birds: A Guide to North American Bird Calls and Songs by Isabel Otter Introduce children to the music of our feathered friends.
- Don't Forget to Remember by Ellie Holcomb A heartfelt story encouraging mindfulness and gratitude.
- Song of the Water Boatman and Other Pond Poems by Joyce Sidman Celebrate ponds, rivers, and the creatures that live there through poetry.
Why I Love These Books
April is a season of growth, change, and wonder—and these books help children notice the world around them. From puddles and raindrops to trees, birds, and the magic of water cycles, each story sparks curiosity, encourages observation, and makes learning feel like play.
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