Spring 2021 Reading List from the Ottawa Public Library
/The Ottawa Public Library is back to share some great spring-themed books with us. This month’s post is by Andrea Gowing, Centennial Branch, Ottawa Public Library.
While Spring does not technically begin until March 20, I think we want to begin to see signs of renewed life with hopes for warmer days and getting outside to marvel at our amazing world. The Life Cycle themes in these books should help, especially during these pandemic days.
The Bat by Elise Gravel
Who doesn’t love an adorable little bat? This delightful beginning reader has cute illustrations that take the scary out of bats. Informational and full of humour, this little bat narrates the text, so children stay engaged. He is chatty while telling children about his uniqueness: that he hibernates, sleeps hanging upside down, and his special gift of echolocation. Set out some evening this spring and summer to see if there are any bats in your neighbourhood!
Seed School, Growing up Amazing by Joan Holub
It’s March, time to start planting seeds! This lovely story is not only a wonderful introduction to the science of seeds; but, a good introduction to diversity. Children learn that seeds come from different plants; however, they are very similar in many ways. The seeds follow a very similar day to young school aged children, and they will feel it is familiar. A good pick for an one on one read so little ones will have time to look at the pictures and ask questions. There is even a information page about plants and photosynthesis!
A Drop of the Sea by Ingrid Chabbert
Grandmas and their grandchildren have such a special bond. Young children always see their grandparents as “old” and young Ali is no different. He knows his grandmother must have one wish that he can grant – she does. Grandmother has never seen the sea. Ali sets out on a four-day journey to bring back some of the sea to his grandmother. Ali carefully collects a pail of water and heads home. Grandmother is overjoyed even though there are but a couple of drops of sea left. Sure to be a favourite story to share between grand parent and grandchild.
Life Cycles, Everything from Start to Finish by Steve Setford
What is a life cycle? In this richly illustrated book, we discover how life cycles are interconnected. From the new life of the seeds of the Giant Sequoia to the emerging dragonfly nymph. From a Penguin march across the frozen Antarctica to human evolution. We are all here together affecting each other. Volcanoes, fossils, tornadoes and galaxies of our solar system – “everything from start to finish.” This would be a wonderful addition to any library. Children of all ages can simply look at the pictures or read all the small bits of information. A good choice for a reluctant reader who enjoys facts!
Half a Chance by Cynthia Lord
Summer at the lake! Who wouldn’t love that? Lucy, that’s who! She and her parents have moved to the lake permanently and Dad has gone off on a long photography shoot, so it is just Mom and Lucy. As Lucy becomes friends with her neighbour Nate, he encourages her to enter her photographs in a contest judged by her dad. As the summer goes on, Lucy discovers many things through her lens, and follows her dad’s advice to always “find the story” through the lens. Through her lens, Lucy discovers beginnings and endings and about catching that perfect moment in time. These include Nate’s grandmother’s life slipping away due to dementia, the protected nesting loons, and learning to kayak. A special read for Ages 10 plus. Budding photographers – take note!
