Welcome to our April picture book reading list for kids! As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, it's the perfect time to start curling up with your children and explore the wonderful world of picture books. April is a great month to explore the changing of seasons and celebrate spring.
Reading picture books with your kids is a wonderful way to spend time together, and there are lots of great themes to explore during the month of April. Whether you’re looking for books about the weather, kites, insects, April Fools, Easter, or just something new to read, there are plenty of wonderful picture books for the whole family to enjoy.
From stories about springtime adventures to tales of fantastical creatures, we've got a list of the best picture books to read with kids in April.
Keep reading to discover what delightful reads you can share with your little ones this month!
(Psst... Make sure to download a free copy of our MarchReading List )
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by Susan R. Stoltz
The animals of the savannah are curious as to why is Steve the Dung Beetle rolling that ball of poo? He is hard at work rolling that ball of poo all the way to his home. As he makes his way to his home, he meets different kinds of animals that ask him the same question "why are you rolling that ball of poo?"
Steve the Dung Beetle: On a Roll is the perfect blend of education and humor. Perfect for children in grades k, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 4th.
by Sharon Purtill
The Wonder of Thunder by Sharon Purtill is a captivating rhyming picture book that helps to ease the fear of thunderstorms for young readers. Sally Storm is a lovable character who cheerfully shares her excitement as she swirls and tumbles in the sky. The book uses simple language and colorful illustrations to help children understand the beauty of a storm and the amazing things it can do. The story introduces the concepts of thunder, lightning, and rain in a positive and non-threatening way. Young readers will be inspired by Sally Storm's journey and feel empowered to conquer their fears of thunderstorms. With its charming narrative and delightful illustrations, The Wonder of Thunder is sure to become a family favorite.
by Shannon Anderson
Jolie is a young girl with a big dream: to grow her own strawberry patch. Through her comical scrapbook-style journal entries, readers join Jolie on her journey as she convinces her parents to let her create her very own strawberry patch. In addition to learning about how strawberries grow, readers will learn how a good gardener takes care of their strawberry plants, about pests that can harm strawberry plants, and about the ladybug's helpful role.
by Editors of Storey Publishing
Gold Mom's Choice Award Winner
On the Nature Trail is an interactive field guide that teaches children 4-8 years old about the wonders of nature. Whether in a park, preserve, or backyard, kids can learn how to identify common plants and animals with the help of this book. With seek-and-find lists, art projects, and discovery games, children are encouraged to get their hands dirty and explore their natural surroundings.
The book also comes with a pull-out magnifying glass to give kids a closer look at things like leaf veins, seed pods, and insects. Parents and teachers can use the book to create fun activities for kids to do outside, such as creating scavenger hunts or collecting rocks and leaves for a nature collage.
by Teresa Bateman
April Foolishness is a whimsical and fun picture book by Teresa Bateman. With its bright and cheerful illustrations, this book is perfect for kids who are looking to celebrate April Fool’s Day!
Children will love the vibrant illustrations of April Foolishness and be captivated by the silly pranks and practical jokes featured throughout the book. The colorful and humorous drawings help to bring the characters and scenes to life. Teresa Bateman’s writing is creative and engaging, creating an enjoyable read for kids of all ages.
by Jon J Muth
Stillwater and Koo Save the World is an inspiring picture book from acclaimed author Jon J. Muth. In this wonderful story, Stillwater the Giant Panda and his nephew Koo go on a journey to help save the world from destruction.
The heart-warming illustrations bring the characters and their stories to life, while the easy-to-follow narrative keeps readers engaged. The story also carries an important message about the power of kindness and the importance of looking after our environment. This is the perfect book to read with your kids during April!
by Christina Soontornvat
One person. Small, quiet, insignificant. But when one person, and one person, and one person become many, they can change a planet. Christina Soontornvat weaves together a fascinating adventure with important environmental lessons that will stay with readers for years to come. The creative story and beautiful illustrations combine to create a vivid and exciting journey through the minds of kids and adults alike. To Change a Planet is an excellent way to start a conversation about our planet and how we can make it a better place.
by Shaunna & John Stith
Black Beach is an inspirational story by Shaunna and John Stith about the power of individual action. Based on a real-life oil spill, the book follows Sam, a young girl who is determined to protect her community from further environmental damage. As she learns more about the situation, she starts to understand that the effects of the spill reach beyond her own town, inspiring people across the country to take action. Through Sam’s journey, readers are reminded of the importance of taking care of the environment and that even the smallest actions can have a big impact. With beautiful illustrations and a compelling story, Black Beach is a must-read for children and adults alike.
by Patricia MacLachlan
The main character in this delightful story is Earth, who describes all the wonderful things she does for us. From providing food to caring for animals, Earth does it all! The text is brought to life with vibrant illustrations, intricate papercut elements, and cleverly designed flaps that children will love to explore as they read.
by Michelle Schaub
Kindness is a Kite String: The Uplifting Power of Empathy by Michelle Schaub is a beautiful picture book that carries a powerful message of kindness, empathy, and community support. Through the use of poetic language, the author introduces young readers to the idea of spreading kindness by demonstrating simple yet powerful examples of showing empathy to others.
In addition to carrying a key message of kindness and empathy, Kindness is a Kite String by Michelle Schaub also offers an excellent opportunity for parents and teachers to introduce children to similes and metaphors. This book serves as a wonderful example of how powerful words can be in creating a more compassionate society, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on young readers.
by Erica L. Clymer
Recipient of two Purple Dragonfly Awards
Take a magical journey with Sally Strawberry and Billy Blueberry in The Great Garden Escape! This vibrant and interactive story follows best friends Sally and Billy as they explore Fruit Garden and eventually find themselves in the mysterious Vegetable Garden. With the help of a friendly squash, they discover that clues will lead them to the secret gate—but they must find and solve all of them before the gate locks at sunset.
As Sally and Billy make their way through the garden, children will get to learn about a variety of vegetables and explore different parts of the garden. The vivid watercolor illustrations combined with delightful rhymes make this a perfect picture book for young readers. Kids will love to join Sally and Billy on their quest to return home, while also having fun learning about veggies along the way.
by Lance Douglas
This unique and beautifully illustrated book, written by Lance Douglas and illustrated by Yuribelle, will take you on a journey into the world of honey bees. With engaging and entertaining images and facts, readers of all ages can learn about the highly organized life of these industrious creatures.
Through fun, colorful illustrations, readers can learn about the importance of the beekeeper, how the hive is organized, and what roles each bee plays in its community. Kids can also learn how bee colonies cooperate with each other and see the hard work it takes for them to produce the sweet, golden honey we all enjoy.
by Deborah Underwood
The Panda Problem is a wildly entertaining read for children of all ages. As they follow along with the panda’s journey, kids will learn about the importance of storytelling, the power of imagination, and the beauty of creativity. The bright, vibrant art and humorous text will engage readers and keep them turning pages until the very end.
by Ross Burach
With his signature wit, Ross Burach introduces us to an impatient caterpillar who just can't wait to become a butterfly. The caterpillar is determined to skip the chrysalis stage, but soon discovers that becoming a butterfly takes time and patience.
Perfect for budding scientists and children learning about life cycles, The Very Impatient Caterpillar is a STEM-friendly entertaining read for the whole family.
by Kate Messner
In their book, Over and Under the Rainforest, award-winning duo Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal take readers on a journey through one of the most diverse ecosystems on earth – the rainforests of Central America. Follow along as they introduce us to all kinds of creatures that live in the lush environment, from giant trees and colorful frogs to bats and monkeys. The illustrations are vibrant and detailed, making it easy for young readers to follow along. With text that’s simple yet informative, this book is perfect for introducing kids to the wonders of the rainforest. Whether you’re reading it as a family or using it as part of an educational unit, this book is sure to capture the imagination of its readers and provide plenty of opportunities for learning and discussion.
by Philip Ardagh
Children will love the hilarity and joy of this fun book! The story follows a group of bunnies on their bus ride. Bunnies on the Bus is sure to captivate young readers with its vivid and imaginative storytelling! It's an especially great book to read aloud, as the text and illustrations combine to create an exciting and vivid journey. Kids are sure to love this adventure-filled story and will be eager to join the bunnies on their wild ride!
by Chris Van Dusen
In this adorable children's book, join Mr. Magee and his trusty pup Dee as they enjoy a peaceful camping trip when a lumbering marshmallow-loving bear joins them and the excitement begins! Soon they are descending a mountain, whitewater rafting, and teetering on the edge of a waterfall, but don't worry - Mr. Magee and Dee find their way out of this slippery situation with plenty of humor and adventure along the way. Perfect for teaching kids how to tackle obstacles with confidence, this book is sure to be a hit with little adventurers!
by Heather Lang
"The Leaf Detective," written by Heather Lang, is an inspiring and educational picture book biography about Meg Lowman, a pioneering female scientist who made groundbreaking discoveries about rainforest treetops.
In this delightful book, children will follow the adventures of Meg Lowman, a self-proclaimed "real-life Lorax," as she finds her way up into the tallest of the trees and discovers a new world filled with secrets and surprises. With bold illustrations and lively rhymes, The Leaf Detective encourages children to explore and discover their own natural world around them.
This remarkable biography highlights Meg's courage, tenacity, and unwavering commitment to her work, even in the face of obstacles that may have stopped less determined individuals. It is a great read for any child who needs an inspirational role model to show that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. This story is sure to spark a passion for science, exploration, and the environment in young readers.
Click here to download our April Reading List.