By Christina Soriano

Spring has finally arrived! Swap out your wool coats for cotton trenches, and get outdoors with your nieces and nephews. Mix up the routine! Pack a simple picnic, bring some books, and do a read aloud outside. Combine literacy and fun with my top picks for the season:

The Butterfly Alphabet Book by Brian Cassie, Jerry Pallotta and Mark Astrella

Fascinating and fun book about different types of butterflies and where they live. Children will love the colors and patterns on each page.

Project: Tie-dye butterfly
Step 1: Using wide tip markers, fully color in a white coffee filter, using different colors and patterns
Step 2: Take a spray bottle full of water, and gently spray the filter a few times from a few inches away
Step 3: Watch the pigment of the markers spread and create a tie-dye effect!
Step 4: When dry, pinch the center and clip a clothespin for the butterfly’s abdomen and thorax

Rose's Garden by Peter Reynolds
This is one of my favorites! I've given it as a gift so many times, and it’s always a hit.
Rose is a little girl traveling the world in a teapot. She stumbles upon a dark, grey city, and hopes to plant a garden to brighten it up. When things don't go as expected, she doesn't lose hope, but gains a city of friendship.

Connecting project: Paper flowers
Step 1: Cut several types of paper into all types of shapes
Step 2: Overlap 3-4 shapes and punch two small holes in the center
Step 3: Loop a pipe cleaner through the center openings
Step 4: Twist the end around the main “stem”
Step 5: Fold the paper petals up to add dimension


Just a Kite by Mercer Mayer
In this fun Little Critter® series book, join the adventure as he attempts to win a kite-flying contest!

Connecting Project: Hanging Kite Decoration
Step 1: Cut out a diamond/kite shape using foam sheets of heavyweight construction paper
Step 2: Decorate by painting patterns or collaging different textures on one side
Step 3: Punch a hole through the bottom part of the kite shape
Step 4: Loop a string through the hole and add embellishments to the hanging string

A Tree Named Steve by Alan Zweibel
Join this family of four as they tell the story of their resident backyard tree named “Steve”.
This one is heartwarming and leaves me misty-eyed at the end!

Connecting project: Tree sculptures
Step 1: Using clay-type material, create a form that resembles a tree stump
Step 2: Using pipe cleaners or child-safe wire, twist and turn these wire “branches” into all types of windy, curvy, or zig – zagged sized branches.
Step 3: Insert each branch into the clay in various areas
Step 4: Glue various colored paper or tissue onto the wire branches for a blooming spring tree!

Birds by Kevin Henkes
A fun exploration of birds of all sizes and shapes!

Connecting project: Bird Stick / Shadow Puppets
Step 1: Using cardstock, and referencing to the book, cut out the shapes you notice within the bird
Step 2: Assemble the bird using masking tape or glue
Step 3: Use masking tape to attach a wood dowel to center of the bird's body
Step 4: Paint or color in the front part of the bird and begin your own bird puppet show
Step 5: As an added bonus, use a flashlight against the wall later in the day to make a shadow puppet show!

Christina Soriano is an artist, art teacher and blogger in New York City. Follow her on twitter and instagram @soriandesigns or check out her new online shop at: www.etsy.com/shop/christinasorianoart

Published: April 15,2015
Photo: Anna Omelchenko