A springy rhyming book from super duo Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks (also known for What the Ladybird Heard).

This story book is about a rabbit who loves poetry and rhyme. He feels a lack of belonging with the other rabbits, who are not so delighted by his literary talents. In search of companions who share his passion, he leaves home to look for somewhere he belongs and find a place his poetry might be more appreciated.

Julia Donaldson is renowned for excellent rhyming picture books, so there is something extra pleasing in a book from her that is about rhyme as well as being told in rhyme. Perfectly pitched to support phonics learning as well as being a distinctively illustrated fun animal tale, we found this to be a lovely story for children in the Early Years.

Hello Spring captures the reader straight away with gorgeous illustrations that create a bright, happy feel. Readers are greeted with a magnificent map of the ‘Season Isle’ showing places the friends may go on their adventures together.

This is the perfect book to help children to understand seasonal changes that may happen in Springtime. The feeling of spring is evoked through a rich range of vocabulary and beautiful phrasing throughout, such as ‘Butterflies flitting and birds swooping, a dazzling symphony of colours.’

As well as weather and seasons, Hello Spring could also help to teach children about the importance of friendships.

This is the story of Tad, the smallest tadpole among her siblings. Tad desperately tries to keep up with the others, not wanting to get left behind – especially as she has heard that ‘Big Blub’ is lurking in the depths of the water. Over time, Tad watches her siblings grow and change, and eventually make the leap out of the water as they become fully grown frogs. When the time comes for Tad to follow in their path, it will take a heap of courage to embrace the next adventure and leap into life.

This is a vibrantly illustrated nature story by Benji Davies, with plenty to spot and count. A good book for Reception or KS1 about life cycles, growth and change or facing new challenges.

A simple story for very young children about the joys of gardening and watching things grow.

Through the story of Sam planting a sunflower seed and watching it grow, readers will learn about the life cycle of a flowering plant and I’m sure it will inspire many children to get busy planting and growing flowers for themselves.

The interactive elements make this narrative non-fiction for preschoolers a real delight. Children will enjoy lifting the flaps to see what is happening underneath the soil or unfolding the surprise pop-up sunflower near the end.

Follow the journey of a tiny sycamore seed as it becomes a sapling and then grows over time to become an enormous tree that houses all sorts of life. This is a gentle and lyrical text with beautiful illustrations.