Children’s Books About Sunshine, Nature, and Exploring: 10 Storytime Picks for Spring & Summer for Children Under 5

There’s something magical about reading stories that reflect the seasons around us — especially when little ones can connect the dots between the pages and the world outside.

We've listed spring and summer-themed books perfect for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, with rich visuals, nature-filled plots, and important developmental themes like empathy, curiosity, and imagination.

Let's jump straight into out post: 10 Storytime Picks for Spring & Summer for Children Under 5!

Sunny and the Birds by Wendy Meddour & Nabila Adani

Ideal for: 3 years +

Sunny's world changes when her grandpa helps her see that kindness—and a few bird feeders—can bring life, joy, and birdsong to their city window.

Why we love it: It’s gentle introduction to nature and empathy. Great for encouraging observation and mindfulness in small outdoor spaces, especially in city-based settings.

Click here to view it on Amazon.

The Extraordinary Gardener by Sam Boughton

Ideal for: 3 years +

Joe lives in a grey world until he plants a seed and watches it grow into something extraordinary, transforming not just his home, but the whole community.

Why we love it: This story encourages creativity, environmental awareness, and highlights the power of small actions. It’s a brilliant launchpad for planting projects and discussions about nature in your community.

Click here to view it on Amazon.

The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle

Ideal for: 2–5 years

Follow a tiny seed as it travels through the seasons before finally growing into a beautiful flower.

Why we love it: A classic introduction to the lifecycle of plants. Perfect for sequencing, time concepts, and learning patience—plus Carle’s bold collage illustrations are so beautiful.

Click here to view it on Amazon.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen & Helen Oxenbury

Ideal for: 1–5 years

A family heads off on an imaginative bear hunt, exploring swishy grass, thick mud, and swirling snowstorms.

Why we love it: This timeless tale is ideal for sensory storytelling, prepositions, and movement-based learning. It also inspires outdoor play on forest walks or garden trails.

Click here to view it on Amazon.

Luna Loves Gardening by Joseph Coelho & Fiona Lumbers

Ideal for: 3 years +

Luna explores the joy of growing with her dad at their community garden, discovering the magic of worms, wildflowers, and working together.

Why we love it: A lovely way to talk about family diversity, teamwork, and gardening. Supports emotional development and offers lots of real-life links to hands-on planting and worm-hunting fun!

Click here to view it on Amazon.

Why Do We Need Bees? by Katie Daynes & Christine Pym

Ideal for: 3 years +

This engaging lift-the-flap book answers children’s questions about bees, pollination, and why they matter.

Why we love it: A great resource for curious minds! Promotes critical thinking and links beautifully with bug hunts, flower spotting, and understanding how ecosystems work.

Click here to view it on Amazon.

Botany for Babies by Jonathan Litton & Thomas Elliott

Ideal for: 0–3 years

A bold, simple board book introducing basic plant science for very young children.

Why we love it: A lovely first science book for babies and toddlers. Introduces early STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) language and can be used alongside planting or nature table activities.

Click here to view it on Amazon.

Tree Full of Wonder by Anna Smithers & Martyna Nejman

Ideal for: 2 years +

A poetic, beautifully illustrated book exploring the role of trees and how they help our planet.

Why we love it: This book is calming, reflective, and rich in nature-based vocabulary. It’s great for mindfulness sessions or tree-themed discussions.

Click here to view it on Amazon.

Bugs by Patricia Hegarty & Britta Teckentrup

Ideal for: 2–5 years

Peek through the pages and discover the hidden world of bugs and minibeasts.

Why we love it: Encourages close looking and curiosity. Excellent for bug hunts and outdoor discovery—plus the layered cut-out pages are irresistible for little fingers (good for developing fine motor skills too!).

Click here to view it on Amazon.

Run Wild by David Covell

Ideal for: 3 years +

A boy puts down his screen and heads outside to run, leap, and connect with the natural world.

Why we love it: A bold, energetic read that promotes physical activity and freedom. Encourages children to embrace outdoor play and movement—rain or shine.

Click here to view it on Amazon.

Whether you’re curling up indoors or heading out with a picnic blanket, these books help children build a connection to the natural world, grow their understanding of emotions and relationships, and see themselves reflected in storylines that matter.