Making connections to a book is a great way for young readers to strengthen their reading comprehension. The three ways one can make connections are text-to-self, text-to-world, and text-to-text. Making connections will also turn reading into a more meaningful experience. Since spring is just around the corner, here are some spring picture books that would be easy and fun for children to make connections. The books are targeted approximately for preschool-second grade.
Text-to-Self
Readers connect the book to something personal in their life. The following books center on common spring activities, such as splashing in puddles, planting a flower, and having indoor fun on a rainy day. Children can point out how some of the book characters' activities are the same ones they like to do.
Example: "Bear and Mole are making a kite. That reminds of when my dad and I made a kite together and flew it in the park."
And Then It’s Spring by Julie Fogliano
Red Rubber Boot Day by Mary Lyn Ray
Raindrop Plop! by Wendy Cheyette Lewison
Lola Plants a Garden by Anna McQuinn
Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert
Up In the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner
Waiting Out the Storm by JoAnn Early Macken
The Most Perfect Spot by Diane Goode
Splish, Splash, Spring by Jan Carr
Text-to-World
This connection helps readers be more aware of the world around them. Spring brings all sorts of weather and reintroduces certain plants and animals. Children can talk about how some of the spring weather, animals, and plants in the books are some of the same ones they see in their environment.
Example: "This picture of a robin and its nest makes me think of the different nests I saw when I visited my grandparents' farm."
When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes
In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb by Marion Dane Bauer
Flip, Float, Fly: Seeds on the Move by JoAnn Early Macken
Everything Spring by Jill Esbaum
Animals in Spring by Martha E. H. Rustad
Spectacular Spring by Bruce Goldstone
The Reasons for Seasons by Gail Gibbons
Let's Look at Spring by Sarah L. Schuette
What Happens in Spring? by Sara L. Latta
How Do You Know It’s Spring? by Lisa M. Herrington
Weather in Spring by Martha E. H. Rustad
Text-to-Text
Sometimes readers can connect two or more different books they have read. It can be an exciting experience for children to be reading a fact and recognize that fact from a similar book they read. They can also take two or more books and talk about how each book describes the same subject in different ways. You could take any of the above-mentioned books and find ways to connect them with their shared subject of spring.
Example: "This book reminds me of another book I read, because they both have pictures of flowers that bloom in spring."
If you are interested in more spring-related books, visit our online catalog or stop by the Youth Library!
About the Author
Tirzah enjoys helping to plan and assist with youth events and is always happy to people find their next great read.