Can you believe we’re already halfway through May? The days are growing longer, the gardens are bursting with color, and spring is in full bloom. It’s the perfect time to slow down, soak up some sunshine, and enjoy a good book with your little ones.
This month’s NIP Book Nook celebrates the beauty of May — from blooming flowers to stories that highlight kindness, growth, and inner beauty. Whether you’re curled up during a spring shower or stretched out under a tree, these books are sure to bring a little more joy and wonder to your family time.
We’ve picked one blossoming book for each age group to help you and your child grow a love for reading — and for the world around them. 🌷📚
🌷 TODDLERS (1–3 Years)
Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert
Bright, bold illustrations and simple text introduce toddlers to the wonder of planting and growing flowers. It’s a beautiful way to reinforce color recognition and spark curiosity about the natural world.
🌸 PRESCHOOLERS (3–5 Years)
Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
This timeless classic tells the tale of a woman who spreads beauty by planting lupines across the countryside. It’s a gentle, inspiring story that teaches young readers the value of leaving the world better than you found it.
🌹 EARLY ELEMENTARY (6–8 Years)
The Big Book of Blooms by Yuval Zommer
This beautifully illustrated non-fiction book explores all things flowers — from fascinating facts to the role of pollinators. A great pick for curious minds ready to dig into the science and beauty of blooms.
🌼 TWEENS (9–12 Years)
The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden by Karina Yan Glaser
In this charming and heartfelt story, the five Vanderbeeker siblings band together to transform a neglected city lot into a beautiful garden — a gift of hope and healing for their sick neighbor. Packed with warmth, family teamwork, and community spirit, it’s a perfect middle-grade read for spring.
🌸 TEENS (13+ Years)
Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast by Robin McKinley
A richly imagined retelling of the classic tale, this book explores the themes of inner beauty, transformation, and the healing power of love. Teens will appreciate the lyrical prose and emotional depth — perfect for a thoughtful springtime read.
🌷BONUS FOR PARENTS
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Though not a children’s book, this poetic and profound blend of Indigenous wisdom and scientific knowledge about plants and the earth offers parents a reflective, soul-nourishing read. It’s a beautiful reminder of our connection to the natural world — just in time for garden walks and May blooms.
🌼 Let’s Keep Blooming Together!
Which books are you reading this May? Share a photo or story in the comments or tag us on social media with #NIPBookNook! Until next month, may your days be filled with sunshine, stories, and shared wonder.
