Why May Picture Books Are Special
Top 20 May Picture Books for Children
1: Butternut Hollow Pond by Brian Heinz
Butternut Hollow Pond takes readers to a busy pond full of life, perfect for May’s spring season. From morning to night, frogs croak, turtles rest on logs, and dragonflies zip over water. The engaging story shows how animals like herons hunting fish and otters swimming among reeds depend on each other. Colorful pictures bring the pond to life, with details of lily pads and ripples that draw children in. Young readers will enjoy exploring this active world where every creature has a role, learning about nature’s balance in a fun way.
2: Raccoon on His Own by Jim Arnosky
Raccoon on His Own follows a young raccoon swept down a river in a forest full of spring energy. Away from his family, he sees turtles on logs, herons by the water, and muskrats eating plants. The simple story shows his curiosity and bravery as he explores this new world, watching animals and staying safe. Soft pictures capture the forest’s calm beauty, with sunlight on trees and water, making it easy for kids to feel part of the adventure. Children will like this tale of a raccoon finding his way.
3: Henry the Impatient Heron by Donna Love
Henry the Impatient Heron tells the story of a young heron trying to hunt in a lively spring pond. Henry’s quick moves scare fish and frogs away, causing funny mix-ups. His mother teaches him to stand still, helping him catch his first fish. Bright pictures show the pond’s busy life—minnows swimming, dragonflies flying, and lilies blooming—making Henry’s journey exciting for children. The clear story shows how he learns patience and grows, connecting with little ones who are learning too. A perfect read for May with its focus on pond life, nature, and growth.
4: Water Is Water by Miranda Paul
Water is Water explores the water cycle through a child’s eyes, showing water’s many forms. Rain fills puddles, turns to fog in meadows, flows in rivers, and freezes in ponds. The simple story follows water’s changes, from clouds to steam, with a fun, rhyming flow that children enjoy. Detailed pictures show each step—raindrops falling, streams running, dewdrops on leaves—making the science easy to understand. Eager learners will love seeing how water moves through the world, connecting to nature in a clear way.
5: Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner
Over and Under the Pond follows a mother and child canoeing on a calm pond on warm day. Above, they see herons flying and dragonflies skimming; below, fish swim and turtles move through deep water. The engaging story shares their discoveries, like otters playing and larvae building homes, blending nature and wonder. Quiet pictures show the pond’s two worlds, with clear details that pull children in. Young readers will enjoy learning about animals living together in this busy ecosystem, a perfect read for springtime.
6: Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
Make Way for Ducklings a classic, follows a duck couple and their eight ducklings—with rhyming names —walking through Boston to reach a pond. The ducklings waddle past busy streets, cars, and people, with their parents keeping them safe. Fun pictures show the city’s energy and the ducks’ determination, delighting children with their big adventure. The clear story highlights family teamwork and the joy of finding a new home, making it relatable for children. This timeless tale is great for a cozy story time together.
7: Frogs by Gail Gibbons
Frogs dives into the world of frogs, perfect for May’s pond-filled days. The clear story follows frogs from tadpoles swimming in ponds to adults hopping on land, showing their life in marshes and near lilies. It covers different kinds, like bullfrogs and tree frogs, and cool facts, like how they catch bugs with sticky tongues. Bright pictures show frogs hiding in reeds or jumping through spring rain, exciting children with details. Young listeners will enjoy learning about these animals and their watery homes, making nature fun to explore.
8: About Habitats: Wetlands by Cathryn Sill
About Habitats: Wetlands explores wetlands like marshes and ponds, full of spring life. The simple story introduces animals—herons catching fish, frogs singing, snakes sliding through grass—that live in these wet places. It shows how muskrats make homes and dragonflies fly over water, explaining why wetlands matter. Clear pictures bring out details like cattails and ripples, helping children see the busy ecosystem. Children will like discovering how plants and animals work together in this watery world.
9: Sassafras by Audrey Penn
Sassafras tells the story of a shy skunk who hides in his forest burrow, worried about his strong smell. Squirrels and rabbits tease him, but his mother helps him see his scent is special. He slowly makes friends with other animals, feeling proud of who he is. Warm pictures show the forest’s cozy spots—trees, ferns, and paths—making the story inviting for kids. Little ones will relate to Sassafras’s journey to fit in and feel confident, learning about friendship and being themselves.
10: Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt shows a spring garden where a girl and her grandmother grow plants like carrots and flowers. Above, they plant seeds; below, worms dig tunnels, ants march, and beetles crawl. The clear story explains how these animals help the garden grow, mixing nature and fun. Bright pictures show both the sunny garden and the busy soil, exciting children with details. Young readers will enjoy this look at teamwork in nature, perfect for May’s planting season.
11: A Nest Is Noisy by Dianna Aston
A Nest Is Noisy explores animal homes, great for May’s nesting time. Birds weave twig nests, alligators pile mud mounds, and penguins use pebbles for theirs. The simple story shows how nests can be loud with chirps or quiet, with each animal building differently. Detailed pictures bring out nests’ shapes and colors, from tree branches to muddy banks, delighting children. Curious minds will love learning about these creative homes and the animals that make them, full of spring energy
12: Over in the Meadow by John Langstaff
Over in the Meadow is a fun counting rhyme set in a bright meadow, full of lively animals. Turtles rest by water, frogs jump in reeds, and rabbits play in grass, each with their babies. The story counts from one to ten, showing ducklings swimming and mice running. Cheerful pictures make the meadow feel alive with colors and movement, exciting children. Little ones will enjoy the rhythm and learning about animals in this happy spring setting, great for early math too.
13: Flowers Are Calling by Rita Gray
Flowers Are Calling takes readers to a meadow where spring flowers bloom, perfect for May. Pink and yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, each picking their favorite. The clear story explains how flowers and animals help each other, with pollinators spreading pollen to grow more plants. Soft pictures show the meadow’s beauty—petals, wings, and sunshine—making it fun for children. Young readers will like learning how nature works together in this colorful setting, full of spring life.
14: A Ladybug's Life by John Himmelman
A Ladybug’s Life follows a ladybug in a garden full of May’s new growth. Starting as an egg, it grows into a larva eating bugs, then becomes a red beetle with black spots. The simple story shows the ladybug climbing plants, hiding from rain, and flying over flowers, helping the garden stay healthy. Clear pictures bring out details like leaves and petals, exciting children. Young learners will enjoy learning about this tiny animal’s life and its role in nature, great for learning about a springtime insect.
15: About Hummingbirds by Cathryn Sill
About Hummingbirds introduces tiny birds buzzing through spring gardens, perfect for May. Hummingbirds sip nectar from flowers with long beaks, their wings moving fast. The clear story explains how they migrate far, build small nests, and shine with colorful feathers. Realistic pictures show them flying by blooms, delighting children with their speed and beauty. Inquisitive minds will love learning about these active birds and their role in nature, full of spring energy. It’s a great way to learn about hummingbirds in a fun, easy story.
16: Are You a Dragonfly? by Judy Allen
Are You a Dragonfly? follows a dragonfly’s life in a pond, shining in the warm sun. It starts as a nymph underwater, catching small creatures, then climbs a reed to grow wings. The fun story shows it flying over lily pads, dodging frogs, and hunting bugs with big eyes. Bright pictures bring the pond to life with water, plants, and fish, engaging children. Young ones will like this mix of science and adventure, learning about dragonflies in a lively spring setting.
17: Where the River Begins by Thomas Locker
Where the River Begins follows two brothers searching for a river’s start, exploring in green fields. From their grandfather’s farm, they follow the river through meadows, past waterfalls, and into quiet pools with fish. The clear story shows their excitement as they find where the water begins, learning about nature’s paths. Gorgeous pictures of water and trees bring the journey to life. Children will enjoy this adventure, great for those who feel curious about rivers and water.
18: The Home Builders by Varsha Bajaj
The Home Builders shows animals making homes in a forest, perfect for May’s nesting season. Beavers chew wood for dams, birds build twig nests, and rabbits dig burrows. The fun story follows their work, like owls in tree holes and turtles laying eggs in sand, showing how each home fits its animal. Warm pictures of trees and flowers bring the forest to life. Children will like seeing how animals create safe spaces for their homes.
19: Ducks Don't Get Wet by Augusta Goldin
Ducks Don’t Get Wet explains why ducks stay dry in water. Ducks, like mallards, swim through water while their feathers remain dry from the oil they spread. The clear story shows them diving for plants and floating by reeds, with facts about how their bodies work. Colorful pictures of ducks and lily pads make it engaging for children. Young learners will enjoy learning about these pond animals and their clever tricks, mixing science with an fun storyline.
20: Betty and the Mysterious Visitor by Anne Twist
Betty and the Mysterious Visitor follows Betty and her grandmother in a forest cottage, where odd noises start a mystery. Fallen berries and rustling leaves suggest a hidden animal—maybe a fox or owl. Betty watches closely, and her grandmother helps her figure out who’s visiting, building a fun adventure. Cozy pictures show the forest’s trees and flowers, pulling children into the story. Young minds will like solving the mystery with Betty, learning about curiosity and family teamwork in a woodland setting.
Grab Your Library May Booklist Below:
Common Questions About May Picture Books
These picture books suit children aged 4–10, with simpler tales like Over in the Meadow for preschoolers and detailed stories like A Nest Is Noisy for older listeners.
How do I choose a May-themed book?
Look for spring, pond, or woodland themes, like Water is Water or Sassafras, with beautiful illustrations and engaging, wholesome text.
Where can I find these books?
Check libraries, local bookstores, or online retailers like Amazon. (I have included the Amazon link under the photo of each book.)
How can I make story time interactive?
Use simple crafts, like making ladybugs for A Ladybug’s Life, or nature walks to connect to Where the River Begins. Ask kids to mimic frog sounds and jumps from Frogs.
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