Out here on the West Coast, spring is well and truly in full swing. I’ve missed you, blue skies and flowers! We recently received some new spring-themed children’s books for review which I’ll be sharing with you today, but our friends at Raincoast Books have an extra special treat for you! In celebration of the season, they’re sending one of my readers a big basket full of spring-themed books worth almost $140! Here’s what one lucky winner will receive:
I Wish You More by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
I Wish You More sends the recipient a lovely list of wishes we should all be so lucky to have granted:
“I wish you more hugs than ughs.”
“I wish you more umbrella than rain.”
“I wish you more treasures than pockets.”
The watercolour and coloured pencil illustrations capture the innocence and joy of childhood, and the short non-rhyming sentence on each spread makes this an easy choice for reading aloud, even to very young ones. This simple picture book is perfect for gift-giving at baby showers, birthdays, or other milestones.
A Nest Is Noisy by Dianna Aston, illustrated by Sylvia Long
This gorgeously illustrated book introduces readers to a wide variety of nests. Not just the standard bird’s nest you would typically first think about, but also an alligator’s mud nest, a tree frog’s nest made from foam, and a platypus’ underground nest. Beautifully detailed watercolour paintings illustrate each nest and the creature that builds it, and short blocks of text explain what makes each nest unique. Not only is this a beautiful book to look at, I love that it got my girls asking questions and wanting to learn more about the animals featured inside.
This lovely picture book also reminds the reader what these nests all have in common. They are noisy until the babies leave, and then they are quiet. As a mother, I will admit the last page made my breath catch a little.
Enchanted Forest: An Inky Quest & Coloring Book illustrated by Johanna Basford
I have a teensy confession to make. This one is mine. Sure it’s a colouring book, but I’m keeping this beauty for my own perusal and enjoyment. Johanna Basford’s lush ink illustrations draw the viewer in to an enchanted forest filled with animals, birds, flowers, and hidden objects. Each page is filled with ornate scroll work and embellishments that would take a good long time to colour if you were to finish every page.
At the end you’ll find a castle door and space to draw in the nine symbols hidden throughout the book, thus opening the stunning four page pull-out spread to discover what (or who!) is within the castle. The pages are thick card stock, perfect for actually colouring on. I haven’t decided though whether I want to actually colour in this or just appreciate the pictures on their own.
Farewell Floppy by Benjamin Chaud
“It was the perfect plan: abandon pet rabbit Floppy in the woods and take a giant leap toward adulthood. Having a bunny that moonlights as a best friend is for babies, right? It’s better to cut a pet loose, make new human friends, and not be so dependent on a floppy-eared fur ball bent on chewing electrical cords, right? If saying good-bye to Floppy is required to grow up, why does life without Floppy seem so wrong? From Benjamin Chaud, the critically acclaimed author/illustrator of The Bear’s Song and The Bear’s Sea Escape , comes this unforgettable, thought-provoking picture book about the power of unlikely friendships.”
From Rain to Rainbows by Chronicle Books
“This sweet and modern little gift book proves that after the rain always comes the rainbow. A treasure trove of delightful work by beloved indie art stars and emerging talents, this cheering collection echoes the uplifting transformation of rain into rainbows: the book begins with raindrops and umbrellas, transitions midway through, and concludes with a glorious bouquet of colorful rainbows. Perfect for bringing smiles to anyone who needs a little pick-me-up, this petite book of feelgood art is a reminder to appreciate the dark with the light, because nothing stays the same forever-and things are about to look a whole lot brighter.”
Spring Walk by Virginia Brimhall Snow
“After a long winter’s sleep, the soil is springing to life. Spring flowers break through the ground to welcome warmer days. Come with Grammy and her grandchildren as they explore and learn all about 24 different flowers. Once home, she teaches them how to plant their own flowers from seeds and make beautiful bouquets.”
The Littlest Bunny in Canada: An Easter Adventure by Lily Jacobs, illustrated by Robert Dunn
“It’s Easter morning, and the littlest bunny has a big secret: he’s actually the Easter Bunny! He has a lot of work to do! Join him as he hides eggs high and low, with a final stop at your house!”
Win This Spring Basket of 7 Children’s Books
And now here’s your chance to win all seven of these books, just in time for Easter!
One lucky reader will win this entire basket of children’s books worth almost $140, courtesy of our generous friends at Raincoast Books. Enter in the giveaway widget below. This giveaway is open to residents of Canada only, 18+. Entries will be verified.
Check out my other open giveaways listed in the right sidebar!
I visited both sites but had to do so afterwards. Kept taking me back to beginning needing to log on etc. I just realized that the coloring book is something I’ve been coveting for a LONG time
Sorry about that. Which sites were giving you trouble? I’ll see what I can do to fix it. (And yes, the colouring book is really, really cool!)
We does gardening
For children, I like to have a mix of both chocolates and educational items (books, games, puzzles). Easter baskets for my adult family members contain a variety of baked goods, chocolates and wines.
The kids always love to have bubbles especially in the spring so bubbles are a popular Easter basket gift.
I like to put in chocolate, plastic eggs filled with small toys, and a plush toy.
We love filling the basket with the pretty plastic Easter grass, and then putting in chocolate eggs.
We like to put chocolate, with a toy and/or book to go with it – there are always lots of cute Easter or bunny themed items to choose from and it’s nice to put something “big” like that instead of just chocolates so that our kids are not all “hopped” up on sugar.
I would like to put tons of peeps in an Easter Basket…they are my favorite!
I like to put books, DVDs, stuffed animals, and a little bit of candy in my girls’ Easter baskets. Sometimes I’ll add little toys or bubbles.
I like to do a stuffed animal, usually a rabbit. A piece of jewelery for the girls, earrings, finger polish, a jump rope, small fun toys and loads of candy!! & for my son stickers, basketball or nerf stuff, fun small toys and cologne and loads of jelly beans and various candies. Thank you
Actually I thought this was a USA giveaway, I’m sorry, Guess I’m void– not in CA
Filling an Easter basket is hard, because I have boys and I don’t like to put too much candy (though a chocholate bunny is essential) or anything violent in it. Just doesn’t seem to go with the spirit of Easter.
Last year I put Christian music, magnifying glasses, toy cars…and I can’t remember what.
But the coolest thing was I found green wigs on sale after St. Patrick’s day which I used in stead of Easter grass (which I hate with a passion…that stuff gets everywhere).
Great giveaway, my daughter would love these books!
My fave thing to do in the spring is bird watch.
I like to put a toy in the Easter Basket that way there is less candy. And always an Easter Egg Hunt in the back yard.
I like to put chocolate (mini eggs, kinder, lindt) and many some bunny ears or something.
Can’t believe I missed this amazing giveaway. Lucky winner!